PIM’s DE&I Resource – Affirmative Action Tip

This Affirmative Action question & answer comes from a step in Star 2

Question: As a non-federal (or sub-contractor) employer, is it appropriate for us to ask applicants to complete a voluntary self-identification form? For context, the purpose of this form is to assist us in measuring our DE&I recruitment metrics. This question is stemming from a recent response from a staffing agency, letting us know that they were not allowed to collect this data on our behalf due to the non-discrimination policies they have in place.

Answer: If you what to ask an applicant to self-identify consider this…

” Unless an employer has an obligation as a federal/state contractor or otherwise required to complete the EEO-1 report, which is generally for employer with 100 employees or more, I wouldn’t recommend an employer request employee voluntarily complete such a document.  I’d be concerned about potential claims of discrimination.” – Answer from a PIM member that is am attorney representing employers


If you have more ideas you would like to share, please email Kristin Pilling-Davis & Sadie Johnson at diversity@pimw.org. We are always looking for more ideas.

View all PIM’s DE&I Resources.                Return to PIM’s DE&I Areas of Accreditation.                  Return to PIM’s DE&I Home Page.

Sadie Hagen
Author: Sadie Hagen