Last Updated on April 28, 2022

On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, the Biden administration announced steps to advance pay equity and promote women’s economic security. According to a White House fact sheet, the administration announced that it is taking actions to: 

• Advance pay equity for the federal workforce.
• Promote efforts to achieve pay equity for job applicants and employees of federal contractors.
• Strengthen pay equity audits by federal contractors.
• Ensure equitable access to well-paying jobs.
• Address discrimination against caregivers.

Among these actions is an executive order signed by President Joe Biden intended to promote pay equity and transparency for the federal workforce and employees of federal contractors.

Department of Labor

Federal Contractor Audit Directive

In addition, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a new directive clarifying federal contractors’ annual obligation to audit their compensation practices to ensure pay equity. 

Report Addressing Women in Low-Wage Sectors

The DOL also issued a report illustrating the impact of women’s concentration in low-wage sectors. “Bearing the Cost: How Overrepresentation in Undervalued Jobs Disadvantaged Women During the Pandemic” outlines the Biden administration’s plan to address this disparity, which includes improving access and equity in education and training programs and supporting workers with caregiving responsibilities. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Technical Assistance on Caregiver Discrimination

Finally, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published technical assistance on caregiver discrimination. The guidance warns that discrimination against applicants and employees based on pandemic-related caregiving responsibilities may violate federal employment laws. 

Keep Up to Date With Federal Compliance with MyHRConcierge

This announcement coincides with the Biden administration’s larger agenda of advancing pay equity. These new actions are directives to federal agencies, supplement or clarify existing guidance, or provide agency findings. As such, employers should continue to monitor the implementation and impact of these developments. 

MyHRConcierge offers government compliance services for your human resources needs with HRCompli. To learn more about our services for small and mid sized businesses, contact us today at 1-855-538-6947 ext.108 or email ccooley@myhrconcierge.com.