Equal employment opportunity (EEO) means treating people fairly in all employment decisions regardless of characteristics unrelated to job performance. Anti-discrimination laws in most countries prohibit basing decisions on protected characteristics like race, sex, religion, age, or disability.
Protected Characteristics
Common protected characteristics include race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, and pregnancy. The specific protected categories vary by jurisdiction. Some places protect additional characteristics like political affiliation or marital status.
Types of Discrimination
Direct discrimination involves treating someone less favorably because of a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination occurs when neutral policies disproportionately affect a protected group without business justification. Harassment based on protected characteristics is also prohibited.
Employer Obligations
Employers must avoid discrimination in hiring, pay, promotion, training, benefits, and termination. This requires reviewing policies and practices for potential discriminatory impact, training decision-makers, providing reasonable accommodations where required, and addressing complaints promptly.