The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency responsible for enforcing anti-discrimination laws in the workplace. Its mission is to protect employees and job applicants from unfair treatment based on characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, and other protected traits.
Understanding the EEOC’s Role
The EEOC investigates claims of workplace discrimination, including those based on gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age (40 and older), disability, pregnancy, or genetic information. The agency enforces several landmark laws, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Equal Pay Act of 1963.
Generally, employers with 15 or more workers fall under the scope of these regulations. In matters related to age discrimination, the threshold increases to 20 employees.
Where Is the EEOC Based?
The EEOC operates from its main office in Washington, D.C., and maintains 53 regional and field offices throughout the country to handle investigations and support local enforcement.
Companies that work with Beyond can streamline HR compliance efforts by integrating tools that help meet EEOC reporting and documentation standards.