An equal opportunity employer statement makes potential candidates feel secure about applying for a position. It sends a strong signal that you will not discriminate against anyone based on color, disability, national origin, race, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.
Here are some pointers companies can use while drafting their statement:
Some Tips For Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
1. Keep it simple
Diversity, equity, and inclusivity in the workplace are crucial. Issues such as gender diversity in the workplace are critical for employers. In your statement, you need to show that you are committed to these values. The best way to do that is to be concise with your statement.
2. Make it genuine
The statement should be sincere. Anyone reading it should get the feeling that you promote diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. Some great companies provide examples of equal opportunity in the workplace.
Your company needs to be one of the companies that people take inspiration from. The values that you stand for should be felt in the statement.
3. You don’t need the legalese
You are not required by law to have a statement in your job postings. You are choosing to do that to make employees know that you do not discriminate. The people that are reading the statement will not care much about the legalese. What they will care about is your commitment to inclusivity in the workplace.
Statements that seem compliance-heavy sound like a lawyer drafted them to comply with the guidelines. Cut the legalese and make a case for diversity.
4. Highlight the culture you have
You can focus the attention of the statement on the fact that you have a diverse and culturally rich workforce. The environment that you have created attracts the best individuals from different backgrounds, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. People want to work for companies that have an inclusive workforce.
5. Take inspiration from other companies
You can learn from how other companies choose to draft their statement. As an employer, you need to work on providing equal employment opportunities and a safe workplace. You also need to show that you are actively doing so.
8 Examples of Effective Equal Opportunity Statements
Here are some equal opportunity employer statements on job posting inspirations that you can use when making the statement:
1. Berkshire Hathaway
“It is Berkshire Hathaway Energy’s policy to provide and promote equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment following all local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing personnel activities. Under federal guidelines, Berkshire Hathaway Energy is committed to a program of affirmative action for work sites in the United States.” (Source)
2. Google
“At Google, we don’t just accept differences — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer.” (Source)
3. Facebook
“Facebook is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at a[email protected], or you may call us at 1+650-308-7837.” (Source)
4. Comcast
“Comcast is an EOE/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer.”
5. Textio
“Textio embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.” (Source)
6. McKinsey and Company
“McKinsey & Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.” (Source)
7. Amazon
“Amazon has always been, and always will be, committed to diversity and inclusion. We seek builders from all backgrounds to join our teams, and we encourage our employees to bring their authentic, original, and best selves to work.” (Source)
8. Tesla
“Tesla is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including hiring, promoting, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.” (Source)
Conclusion
Employers with at least 100 employees or federal contractors with 50 employees need to comply with EEOC guidelines. Under this, employers do not need to publish a statement on job postings.
However, publishing an equality and diversity statement for job applications highlights inclusiveness and values. We hope that this article helps you in drafting an excellent equal opportunity employer statement.
Recommended Read: How to Write a Unique Job Description
