A new Equal Employment Opportunity Commission report from an internal working group has called attention to seven obstacles African Americans must navigate in the federal workplace.
They are as follows: unconscious bias still plays a significant role in employment decisions; a lack of adequate mentoring and networking opportunities in higher level management positions; insufficient training and development assignments; narrow recruitment methods; a perception of inequality that hinders career advancement; Education requirements that create obstacles; and EEO regulations and laws not being adequately followed or effectively enforced.
The EEOC said these findings are based on in-depth research and extensive consultation with key federal stakeholder groups representing African Americans, as well as other affinity organizations. Recommendations in the report focus in part on additional training and awareness, including the appointment of mentoring program managers and ensuring training and development opportunities are extended to African Americans.