3 Things to Know About the EEOC’s New Workplace Poster

On Oct. 19, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission released an updated “Know Your Rights” workplace poster which replaces the previous “EEO is the Law” poster, summarizes major provisions of federal employment discrimination laws and informs employees and applicants how to file a complaint for alleged violations.

Here are three things you need to know:

1. It is easier for your employees to read. According to the EEOC, the poster uses plain language and bullet points that will make it easier for employers and employees to understand their rights and obligations. It also contains several substantive changes, including revisions that:

• • • • clarify harassment is a prohibited form of discrimination;
      • clarify sex discrimination includes discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity; and
      • provide additional information about equal pay discrimination for federal contractors.

2. It is easier for your employees to use. The new poster features internet links, email addresses, and a QR code for employees to contact the EEOC if employees suspect they have been victims of prohibited discrimination and link directly to the Commission’s website with instructions for “How to File a Charge of Employment Discrimination.”

3. It should be easier for your employees to find. Every covered employer is required to post the “Know Your Rights” poster in a conspicuous, prominent location in the workplace where it can be readily seen by employees and applicants of employment. The EEOC further encourages employers to make the poster available in a digital format by electronically posting the poster on the employers’ websites in a conspicuous location, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that notices of federal laws prohibiting job discrimination be made available in a location that is accessible to applicants and employees with disabilities that limit mobility.

The EEOC provided PDF versions of the poster in English and Spanish for employers to print and PDF and HTML versions of the poster optimized for viewing on a computer screen for electronic posting. Although the EEOC has not yet announced a compliance deadline, covered employers should immediately post the updated poster.

Please contact Claudine Jackson or Maritza Sanchez or any member of Phelps’ Labor and Employment team if you have questions or need compliance advice or guidance.