Equal employment opportunities (EEO) means eliminating barriers to ensure that all employees are considered for the employment of their choice and have the chance to perform to their maximum potential. EEO and effective diversity management is critical to making the most of New Zealand's increasingly diverse workforce, particularly given the current skills shortage.
EEO/diversity practices include hiring based on merit, fairness at work and promotion based on talent. They relate to all aspects of employment including recruitment, pay and other rewards, career development and work conditions.
EEO/diversity strategies are sound HR practices which enable employers to recruit the very best people from the diverse population, making the most of their skills, creativity and energy. Initiatives that encourage work-life balance are an important part of EEO as they enable people to perform to their full potential while still accommodating their commitments outside of work.
EEO/diversity practices are a powerful way to increase business efficiency, competitiveness and profitability. By supporting strategies that encourage merit-based management, organisations can recruit, retain and motivate the people they need to be successful.
An inclusive and tolerant workplace motivates employees to perform to the best of their ability. It promotes understanding between people creating a stronger and more focused team. And it enables people to balance their lives outside work with their responsibilities at work so they can be focussed and creative in all spheres of their lives.
Download Versatile Workplace - Business Success (1.3Mb pdf) to find out more about EEO and diversity management or order free hard copies from the EEO Trust.
