EEOC Adopts New Strategic Plan to Advance Equal Employment Opportunity

In a recent announcement, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has unveiled its new Strategic Plan for the fiscal years 2022-2026. This plan serves as a roadmap for the EEOC's mission to combat and prevent unlawful employment discrimination while promoting equal employment opportunities for everyone.  

The strategic goals and objectives outlined in the plan include: 

1. Combating Systemic Discrimination: The new plan places a heightened emphasis on addressing systemic barriers that obstruct equal opportunity in the workplace. The EEOC plans to expand its capacity to identify and investigate systemic cases, channeling additional resources toward enforcement. 
2. Enhancing Monitoring of Conciliation Agreements: After a finding of discrimination, the EEOC will closely monitor conciliation agreements to ensure discrimination is eradicated from workplaces. This move underscores the agency's dedication to ensuring lasting change beyond initial interventions. 
3. Improving Intake Services: The plan aims to bolster access to intake services for individuals, respondents, and representatives. By increasing availability for intake interview appointments and overall public service improvements, the EEOC strives to provide better assistance to all parties involved. 
4. Leveraging Technology and Innovative Outreach: To expand its reach to diverse communities and underserved employers, the EEOC will harness technology and innovative outreach strategies. This approach reflects the agency's determination to engage with a broader range of stakeholders. 
5. Promoting Employer Practices: The plan also focuses on promoting best practices that employers can adopt to proactively prevent workplace discrimination. By encouraging proactive measures, the EEOC aims to create a culture of inclusivity and equality within organizations. 

In a statement, EEOC Chair Charlotte Burrows said: “The new Strategic Plan reflects our thoughtful assessment of the agency’s mission, goals, and objectives in light of current conditions and what we expect in the next few years. It emphasizes expanding the EEOC’s capacity to eliminate systemic barriers to equal opportunity in the workplace, using technology and other tools to improve our services to the public, and achieving organizational excellence with a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and accessibility. I am grateful for the hard work of our staff across the agency who assisted in developing this plan and look forward to its successful implementation.” 

The release of the Strategic Plan aligns with the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) Modernization Act, requiring federal agencies to publish strategic plans every four fiscal years. These plans serve as guiding principles for agency initiatives, paving the way for detailed annual plans, budgets, and program performance evaluations.