How to craft an equal opportunity employer statement

Crafting a Sincere Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Equal opportunity employer statements are essential to any organization that’s committed to diversity and inclusivity. Not only does it show that the company values fairness and equality, but it can also make the hiring process more efficient. According to the most recent data, job posts with even a basic EEO statement will fill 6% faster on average than those without one.

Clovers understands the importance of creating a sincere EEO statement that reflects the company’s values and commitment to diversity. If you’re struggling to take your company’s EEO statement from boilerplate to brilliant, try using these insights and examples to craft a more intentional commitment.

Cut the formal legalese

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) requires companies to publicly declare that they don’t discriminate. However, the agency does not mandate that companies include EEO statements in their job listings. Many companies choose to do so, but often they merely translate their legal obligations to disclaimer-type footnotes.

To make your EEO statement stand out, avoid using formal legalese. Employers should be writing their EEO statements for the reader’s sake, not merely for compliance. A great example is Workable’s no-nonsense EEO statement: “Your gender, your gods, your sex life, your skin color, or your bigshot uncle don’t make a difference here. Workable is a progressive and open-minded meritocracy. If you’re smart and good at what you do, come as you are.”

Say it like you mean it

If you want your company’s equal opportunity employer statement to sound genuine and heartfelt, write it in the first person. This approach makes the message more personal and engaging. Consider this third-person EEO excerpt: “ABC Company is an equal opportunity employer. The policy of ABC Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s race, color, etc.” Compare that to this first-person, purpose-driven EEO: “At Clovers, we don’t just accept difference—it’s one of our core values.”

Additionally, adopt a casual tone in your statement. Conversational language conveys authenticity, while compliance-heavy legalese always sounds copied and pasted. Use celebratory language to express your appreciation for diversity. For example, “At Clovers, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We believe that our differences make us stronger and enable us to better serve our customers.”

Make a case for diversity

Personality and sincerity go a long way, but they aren’t the only necessities. Your EEO statement should also explain why you care about a diverse and inclusive workforce beyond it being the right thing to do.

Diversity brings various perspectives, skills, and experiences to the table, allowing companies to innovate and grow. Additionally, having a diverse workforce can improve the organization’s reputation, enhance its brand image, and increase customer satisfaction.

At Clovers, we believe that our differences make us stronger, and we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We know that the best ideas come from diverse perspectives, and we strive to build a team that reflects the communities we serve.

In conclusion, crafting a sincere and thoughtful equal-opportunity employer statement is crucial to any organization’s success. Clovers People-first Hiring Software understands the importance of diversity and inclusivity and is committed to helping companies create a more intentional commitment to equality.