Talent is everywhere. From the hardworking mother who developed skills on the job to the rising star graduating from a lesser-known college to the homegrown leaders who just need the opportunity to shine, the best people can be found in both expected and unexpected places. Broad recruiting efforts, hiring practices that focus on job-related skills and address bias, mentoring programs, and other initiatives can help organizations find the best people and ensure they thrive in the workplace. These programs also help employers comply with federal laws prohibiting discrimination in employment142 U.S.C. § 2000e-2 et seq. These statutes were codified as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; 42 U.S.C. § 1981. and retaliation against individuals who oppose discrimination, participate in related proceedings, or request accommodations.242 U.S.C. § 2000e-3. While federal laws have not changed, federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), have advanced radical new interpretations of these protections that could close the doors of opportunity. But while these agencies are reversing decades-old positions, they cannot rewrite federal laws. Here is what employers need to know.
