Has your organization ever experienced a federal EEO investigation? Whether you’ve dealt with one in the past or you’re just receiving a notice, a federal EEO investigation is a serious matter to navigate. Don’t go forward with it alone! Read through what a typical federal EEO investigation entails and how to best handle the situation from the team at Prescott HR.
What is Federal EEO?
Federal EEO, or Equal Employment Opportunity, are laws that prohibit specific types of job discrimination in certain workplaces. Federal EEO laws are overseen and enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor. It is the EEO office that ensures certain businesses are complying with the laws, regulations, policies, and guidance that helps prevent discrimination in the workplace. Federal EEO ensures that federal employees or job applicants are not discriminated against based on their race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or other factors.
What is a Federal EEO investigation?
If you’ve received a notice in the mail that an EEO complaint has been filed against your organization, here is what you can generally expect from the process. An investigator will be assigned to your case to collect relevant information and documents. This investigator will compile all relevant information into a report, which will serve as evidence in your case. It’s important to understand that the investigator on your case is a neutral party who will not make any decisions about your case: they are simply there to gather the necessary information and collect evidence.
What Happens Next?
After the investigator collects all relevant information, your organization will be interviewed in person or asked to provide a written list of answers to questions. The investigation could include some back-and-forth communication with the employee or applicant who filed the EEO complaint. EEO complaints must have a completed investigation within 180 days of initial filing, however, extensions are granted on a case-by-case basis.
Are You Required to Participate?
The answer is yes, your organization cannot fail to participate in a federal EEO investigation. Your organization will be required to respond to all communications and provide the necessary documentation to the agency and investigator. After the investigation is completed, your organization will receive a summary of the investigation including all statements, affidavits, and relevant documents.
How Does EEO Work in Maryland?
In the state of Maryland, the Office of the Statewide Equal Employment Opportunity Coordinator works to administer and enforce all federal EEO laws and policies. They promote work environments throughout our state that are free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Work with Prescott HR
Does your organization need help to navigate an upcoming federal EEO investigation? We are here to help! Prescott HR offers a wide range of services that can help your organization deal with this kind of investigation. Our unintimated HR practices allow us to be focused and effective, providing your business with precisely what you need. Give us a call today at 443-351-8818 or contact us online.