Sample Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
One of the [Organization]'s fundamental principles is Equal Employment Opportunity. Employment at [Organization] is based upon abilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, veterans' status or any other status or condition that is protected by applicable state law.
Employer's Responsibility. The [Organization] will recruit, hire, train and promote persons in a nondiscriminatory manner. Decisions will be made based upon skills, abilities and merit. In addition, all compensation, benefit, training, discipline programs and procedures and any other terms and conditions of employment will be administered in a nondiscriminatory manner. [Organization] values diversity.
The [Organization] wants you to have a work environment free of discrimination by management personnel, by your coworkers and by others with whom you must interact in the course of your work as a [Organization] employee.
The [Organization] management at all levels is responsible for preventing discrimination in the workplace, for taking immediate corrective action to stop discrimination in the workplace and for promptly investigating any allegation of work-related discrimination.
Employee Respect. The [Organization]'s policy against discrimination and harassment requires employees to treat each other with respect. Behavior that a reasonable person would consider offensive and inappropriate in the workplace, even if it does not rise to the level of unlawful conduct, violates the respect rule. Interactions with coworkers, managers and customers should be guided by courtesy and common sense. Violations of the respect rule must be reported, using the complaint procedure outlined below.
Complaint Procedure. If you experience or witness discrimination in the workplace, report it immediately to Human Resources, the department that has responsibility for maintaining and monitoring this policy. All questions and concerns about the equal employment opportunity policy should be directed to Human Resources. However, you may report discrimination or violations of the respect rule to any other member of [Organization] management. All allegations of discrimination will be quickly investigated. To the extent possible, your confidentiality and that of any witnesses and the alleged discriminator will be protected against unnecessary disclosure. When the investigation is completed, you will be informed of the outcome of that investigation.
Retaliation Prohibited. The [Organization] will not permit any employment-based retaliation against anyone who brings a complaint of discrimination or who speaks as a witness in the investigation of a complaint of discrimination.
Training. All [Organization] management personnel will participate in antidiscrimination training. In addition, all employees will participate in a workshop about discrimination upon beginning work at [Organization] and, at least, while you remain a [Organization] employee.
Communication of Policy. [Organization]'s equal employment opportunity policy is posted in several conspicuous locations in the workplace. You will also receive a copy of [Organization's] antidiscrimination policy when you begin working for [Organization]. If at any time you would like another copy of that policy, please contact _________. If [Organization] should amend or modify its antidiscrimination policy, you will receive an individual copy of the amended or modified policy.
Penalties. Discrimination will not be tolerated at [Organization]. Persons engaging in discriminatory behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
What should be said in the handbook?
The handbook often includes a short statement of the organization's equal employment opportunity policy. Typical EEO sections in a company handbook read this way:
- Example 1: The Organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and follows a practice of affirmative action in promoting equal employment opportunity. The Organization does not discriminate on the basis of a person's race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, or disabled or Vietnam era veteran status regarding considerations such as recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment and promotion.
- Example 2: It is the policy of [Organization] to employ people who are capable of learning and performing the tasks required to keep our organization operating safely and efficiently. It is also [Organization's] policy to provide equal opportunity to all persons and to administer policies regarding hiring, promotions, benefits, compensation, and transfers without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
Any associate with a question or problem in the equal opportunity (EEO) area should first bring the problem or question to the attention of the immediate supervisor. If for some reason the associate is reluctant to discuss the matter with the supervisor, then the question should be brought to the attention of the Personnel Department.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
Sample Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. One of the [Oranization]'s fundamental principles is Equal Employment Opportunity. Employment at [Oranization] is based upon abilities and qualifications without discrimination because of ...