Ep120: Updates from the EEOC - Lawful DEI in the Trump Era

HR Stories Podcast - A Lesson in Every Story!

Content provided by John Thalheimer, MS Org Leadership and Chuck Simikian, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, John Thalheimer, MS Org Leadership, Chuck Simikian, and SPHR. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by John Thalheimer, MS Org Leadership and Chuck Simikian, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, John Thalheimer, MS Org Leadership, Chuck Simikian, and SPHR or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

1M ago 46:50

MP3•Episode home

Send us a text

The Trump Administration has signed a flurry of executive orders - some of which have direct impacts on the workplace. It’s critical, now more than ever, to pay attention to changes and updates that are coming your way. In today’s episode, Chuck and John review some new documents released by the EEOC that are providing clearer guidance around how to legally approach DEI in the workplace. Andrea Lucas, the EEOC Acting Chair, released 11 Tips for Lawful DEI, listed below:

Audit Job Descriptions – Cut unnecessary degree or experience requirements.
Audit Ads and Interviews – Keep questions and language neutral.
Standardize Interviews – Use consistent scoring and avoid vague “fit” questions.
Formalize Promotions – Structure the process so everyone understands how to advance.
Inclusive Mentorship – Don’t limit opportunities by race or gender.
Universal Leadership Training – Offer to all eligible employees.
Support First-Gen Pros – Help those new to professional fields (a neutral group).
Individualized Training – Base it on job role, not race or gender.
Privileged Audits – Use private internal audits to spot issues.
Broaden Recruitment – Widen your outreach—no quotas.
Rethink Culture – Address policies that unintentionally exclude (e.g., overtime, inflexibility).

In the HR News segment, the team touches on the following topics and more:

Bumblebee (you may know them from the can of tuna in your pantry) is getting sued for practices on fishing boats provided by the company under the American Trafficking Act. How will this impact other US-based companies with international employees?
A welder with a reasonable accommodation related to diabetes had his request declined. Now it’s in the courts. Remember to approach your accommodation requests with a reasonable mindset and train your managers to not fall into easy traps that can cost the company a serious fine.
A recent Gallop poll looks into why Americans are working less. Burnout could be

Visit TeamAtHRStories.com to see all of our workshops and offerings to help you feel confident in your HR decisions.

Support the show

Our new book...The Ultimate Guide to HR: Checklists Edition is now AVAILABLE!
Go to UltimateGuidetoHR.com to Get HR Right: and Avoid Costly Mistakes. Certified and approved for 3 SHRM Recertification Credits.
Join the HR Team of One Community on Facebook or visit TeamAtHRstories.com and sign up for emails so you can be the first to know about new things we have coming up.
You can also follow us on Instagram and TikTok at @HRstoriesPodcast

Don't forget to rate our podcast, it really helps other people find it!
Do you have a situation or topic you’d like the team to discuss? Are you interested in having Chuck or John talk to your team or Emcee your event? You can reach the Team at [email protected] for suggestions and inquiries.
The viewpoints expressed by the characters in the stories are not necessarily that of The Team at HR Stories. The stories are shared to present various, real-world scenarios and share how they were handled by policy and, at times, law. Chuck and John are not lawyers and always recommend working with an employment lawyer to address concerns.

139 episodes

#MBA #Business #Chuck Simikian #John Thalheimer #Human Resources #Eeoc #Dol #Employment Law #Legal #Business News #News #John Thalheimer, MS and Chuck Simikian, SPHR, SHRM-SCP #OSHA #Lawsuits #Employee Management #Employee #Employment