Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

What Should Be Included in an Equal Opportunity Employer Statement?

In the U.S., it is unlawful for businesses of certain sizes to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on race, color, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or any other protected characteristic outlined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

In an effort to communicate their compliance with the EEOC, many businesses choose to publish a statement that outlines their values and commitment to a diverse and inclusive work environment. These statements generally consist of one or two paragraphs and typically include standard language, or can be customized according to your company values and culture.

1. Be specific.

Right off the bat, state that you are an equal opportunity employer. This tells the reader that you comply with EEOC rules and regulations. Next, you will want to state that you do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor.

2. Make sure that your statement emphasizes workplace diversity.

A compelling equal employer statement is one that communicates a sincere appreciation of diversity in the workplace, thereby encouraging people from marginalized communities to apply for jobs at a particular company.

While it is acceptable to use plain language in your EOE statement, you might want to mix things up by being more descriptive in your choice of words. The usage of strong verbs and active language can make your employer statement sound more appealing than a generic version. For example, have a look at H&M's statement below.

3. Mention which employment practices your EOE statement applies to.

While this is an optional step, many companies mention that their EOE statement applies to various employment practices within the organization such as hiring, promotion, termination, layoffs, training, apprenticeships, etc.

4. State that you make hiring decisions based on merit.

A great way to end off your equal opportunity employer statement is by stating that your hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and your business needs.

5. Link to your EEO policy.

If you have a comprehensive equal employment opportunity policy or webpage that elaborates on your EEO activities, it's a good idea to link to it in your employer statement. Likewise, if you participate in the E-Verify Program, mention it in your statement.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Examples:

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, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, political views or activity, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. You may view our Equal Employment Opportunity notice here. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

Facebook is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at accommodations-ext@fb.com."

Apple

"Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. Learn more about your EEO rights as an applicant.

Apple will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants who inquire about, disclose, or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants.

Apple will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. If you’re applying for a position in San Francisco, review the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance guidelines applicable in your area.

Apple participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

Apple is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and mental disabilities. Apple is a drug-free workplace."

Tesla

"Tesla is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Tesla is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please call 510-602-3960 or send an e-mail to accommodationrequest@tesla.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information."

Google

"Google is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. See also Google's EEO Policy and EEO is the Law. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by completing this form."

Amazon

"Amazon is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer – Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age"

"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."

Walmart

"We are committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and an inclusive work environment. Walmart will not tolerate discrimination in employment, employment-related decisions, or in business dealings on the basis of race, color, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status. We should provide an environment free of discrimination to our associates, customers, members, and suppliers."

HubSpot

"Individuals seeking employment at HubSpot are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. You are being given the opportunity to provide the following information in order to help us comply with federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action record keeping, reporting, and other legal requirements. We may also use the information in an aggregated, anonymous form to help us improve diversity at HubSpot."

Dig Inn

"DIG believes in the power of a shared table to bring people together as we are committed to building a culturally inclusive team. Diverse candidates encouraged to apply.

DIG is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law, including national origin or citizenship. DIG uses E-Verify to verify the right of all new employees to legally work in the United States. As soon as an offer of employment has been made and you have accepted, DIG will ask you to complete an I-9 form. Accordingly, since you may be offered a job at the interview, we encourage you to come to the interview prepared with all necessary paperwork to complete an I-9 verification."

H&M

"We think of our organization as a large (and stylish) family.

At the core of it all, our approach is shaped by a strong respect for each individual. This applies to every aspect of employment – from fair wages, working hours, and freedom of association, to equal opportunities for growth and development within the company. Every H&M employee in the world receives fair employment, even in countries whose laws and regulations fall short of our own standards.

We see diversity and inclusion as central to our organization. This means that we stand up against discrimination and harassment wherever we operate.

At H&M, we endorse the “open door principle,” which gives every employee the right to discuss issues that matter to them directly with their leaders. Our employees also have the right to collective bargaining. We constantly strive for good relations with employees as well as employee associations and trade unions.

H&M is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination in the workplace."