EEOC, OFCCP partner to advance equity in hiring

Dive Brief:

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs will spearhead a multi-year program dubbed the Hiring Initiative to Reimagine Equity, the agencies announced Jan. 19.
EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows and OFCCP Director Jenny R. Yang will lead the initiative, which tapped groups such as the AFL-CIO, the Association of Corporate Counsel, and the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, to name a few.
The initiative aims to improve access to quality jobs for workers from underrepresented communities by identifying and addressing recruiting challenges, according to a press release. The agencies said they will hold a series of roundtables and develop resources for employers.

Dive Insight:

As the agencies noted, many employers are seeking and implementing strategies to pursue more diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplaces.

The global protests that arose following the 2020 killing of George Floyd invigorated the movement for better employment practices. Employers responded in different ways. Some made donations to organizations that work to advance racial justice, but others looked inward.

Zoom Video Communications, for example, hired its first chief diversity officer. And the Washington Post said it would create a host of new diversity leadership positions.

Amid the boost of momentum, HR has become a key player in directing employers to more equitable practices. An August 2021 XpertHR survey found that 52% of employers said the CHRO is either partially or fully responsible for implementing diversity, equity and inclusion at their companies.

As HR pros continually aim to improve their organizations, they may welcome guidance from the agencies that enforce the anti-discrimination laws they've been working to comply with for years.

"The HIRE initiative aims to expand employment opportunities as our nation recovers from the pandemic," EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows relayed in the statement. "Working with employers and workers to prevent unfair and unnecessary obstacles to equal employment opportunity is a key component of this initiative. This collaboration between EEOC and OFCCP will help create an economy that works for everyone."