How to Write an Equal Opportunity Employer Statement (+ Samples To Follow)

In today’s modern era, diversity and equal opportunity have become important pillars of any company striving to create an inclusive and empowering workplace. This is why organizations often include an equal opportunity employer (EEO) statement in their job listings to show how committed they are to embracing staff from different backgrounds.

But, as an employer, how can you craft an effective EEO statement?

In this article, we’ll discuss what makes a compelling EEO statement to help you attract and hire diverse candidates.

Now, let’s begin!

What is an Equal Opportunity Employer Statement?

An equal opportunity employer statement is a short statement demonstrating how committed a company is to fostering diversity, equality, and inclusion in its employment practices. It shows they do not tolerate discrimination, following the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC).

Companies include this in job listings and their career pages to show that they will provide fair and unbiased opportunities for all individuals during the hiring process, regardless of ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, socioeconomic class, disability status, parental status, veteran status, and other applicable legally protected characteristics.

An equal opportunity employer statement in Canada also promotes equality and inclusion for four designated groups:

• Women;
• Indigenous Peoples;
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Members of visible minorities

EEO statements are also included in company websites and their employee handbook as part of their equal employment opportunity policy.

What to Include When Writing a Compelling EEO Statement?

You can emphasize your company’s dedication to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace in several ways.

Image source: Canva

When writing an equal opportunity employer statement, here’s what you should include:

• Specific stance on equal employment and legally protected status covered
• Specific employment practices (as applicable)
• Importance of equal opportunity to work culture and company growth

Let’s dive into each one in the steps to writing an equal opportunity statement below.

1. What Is Your Stance and Who Is Covered by Your Statement

Your EEO statement should clearly state your stance on equal employment before going into the specifics of which legally protected status it extends to. The more specific, the better. Once applicants see their status listed, they’ll feel more confident about applying and trusting your company.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Sample:

Technology company Dell makes a good example of a comprehensive EEO policy statement that takes the “kitchen sink approach,” listing down many, if not all, legally protected statuses covered by their statement.

“Dell is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. 

All employment decisions at Dell are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, creed, national, social or ethnic origin, political viewpoint, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, protected veteran status, citizenship status when otherwise legally able to work, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. 

Dell will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.”

2. The Applicable Employment Practices

You’ll want to reassure applicants that your statement applies not only to the hiring process but all employment practices in your company. Mention employment aspects such as your recruitment and training process or what candidates can expect once they’re hired for the position.

EEO Statement Example:

Work management platform Asana provides a great EEO policy statement example, stating that company decisions are made fairly regardless of status.

“Asana is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the Asana community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone has the opportunity to feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.”

“…Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.”

3. Its Importance in Your Company’s Growth & Work Culture

An effective equal employment opportunity statement focuses on the work culture you’re trying to create. So, highlight how diversity and inclusion play a role beyond hiring practices and how they align with the company’s core values. Make it clear that it’s important to your company’s growth and development.

Image source: Canva

EEO Statement Example:

Financial services company Moody’s provides a great example of sharing what potential employees can expect from the company in their EEO statement. It starts with:

“Moody’s success has always depended in large measure on the individual and collective ability of its people. The different perspectives, backgrounds, and individual styles of our people offer great opportunities to add value to the Company, and we believe that each person’s role is vital to Moody’s success.”

Then, the company shares how they can provide additional support to their employees with this statement:

“Moody’s also provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities or based on a sincerely held religious belief in accordance with applicable laws.”

Cultivate Your Company Culture With Better Recruitment

Now that you know how to write an equal opportunity employer statement, it’s time to put theory into practice by recruiting people with the right skills for the job without any biases.

Based in Toronto, Ad Culture is a leading recruitment agency that connects recruiters with talents from the advertising, marketing, and communications industries. We’ll help you find the best candidates that fit your company’s brand voice—while staying true and brandishing your equal opportunity employer statement.

Contact us and create a diverse and inclusive workplace today!