Biden Issues Executive Order on Federal Workforce Diversity

On June 25, 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in the Federal Workforce, stating that the federal government “must be a model for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.”

The Order charges the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget with leading efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the federal workforce, working with the White House and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in carrying out the following initiatives:

  • Establish a government-wide initiative to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all parts of the federal workforce.
  • Charge all agencies with assessing the current state of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility within their workforces, and developing strategic plans to eliminate any barriers to success faced by underserved employees.
  • Direct agencies to seek opportunities to establish or elevate Chief Diversity Officers within their organizations.
  • Expand diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility training throughout the federal workforce.
  • Address workplace harassment, including sexual harassment.
  • Reduce the federal government’s reliance on unpaid internships, which can create barriers for low-income students and first-generation professionals.
  • Advance pay equity to ensure that all public servants are fairly compensated for their work and their talents.
  • Advance equity in the workplace for individuals with disabilities.
  • Advance equity in the workplace for LGBTQ+ public servants. 
  • Build a more diverse pipeline into public service through new recruitment partnerships.
  • Expand federal employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.
  • Advance equity in professional development.
  • Improve the collection of demographic data about the federal workforce. 

The Order’s Fact Sheet notes that the Biden administration has appointed a historic number of diverse leaders, and that this new Order “will help develop a Federal workforce that looks like America where qualified people from every background and walk of life have an equal opportunity to serve our Nation.”

HBL has experience in all areas of benefits and employment law, offering a comprehensive solution to all your business benefits and HR/employment needs. We help ensure compliance with the complex requirements of ERISA and the IRS code, as well as those laws that impact you and your employees. Together, we reduce your exposure to potential legal or financial penalties. Learn more by calling 678-439-6236.

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Hall Benefits Law, LLC

HBL offers employers comprehensive legal guidance on benefits in mergers and acquisitions, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), executive compensation, health and welfare benefits, healthcare reform, and retirement plans. We counsel a wide spectrum of clients including small, mid-sized, and large companies, 401(k) investment advisors, health insurance brokers, accountants, attorneys, and HR consultants, just to name a few. HBL is passionate about advising clients, and we are dedicated to our mission: to provide comprehensive, personalized, and practical ERISA and benefits legal solutions that exceed client expectations.

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