Commitments
Policies & Guidelines
Commitment 2:
Inclusive Policy Review
Employers commit to reviewing policies and procedures through an inclusive lens to identify and reduce barriers that disproportionately affect underrepresented groups.
Employer Actions
Organizations should apply an equity lens when developing or reviewing workplace policies and procedures. To fulfill this commitment, organizations are encouraged to:
Use equity screening processes to identify potential impacts on different employee groups
Apply recognized equity analysis frameworks such as GBA Plus (Gender-Based Analysis Plus) and HEIA (Health Equity Impact Assessment) to anticipate barriers
Consider how policies may affect employees from diverse backgrounds and identities
Identify barriers related to literacy, cost, culture, accessibility, or language
Develop mitigation strategies that reduce barriers while maintaining policy objectives
Track outcomes and gather feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of policy changes
Evidence Requirements
To complete this commitment, organizations are asked to:
Review or develop at least one workplace policy or procedure using an inclusive or equity-focused review process
Identify potential barriers or unintended impacts related to accessibility, culture, language, literacy, cost, or other equity considerations
Implement or propose at least one change or mitigation strategy to reduce identified barriers
Submit a short reflection describing actions taken, barriers identified, and future opportunities for improvement
Evidence may include:
Policy review notes or equity screening tools
Updated policies or procedures
Mitigation or accessibility strategies
Internal review documents or meeting notes
Reflection summary
Impact
Policies that appear neutral can still create barriers for employees with different identities, circumstances, or access to resources. Applying an inclusive review lens helps organizations identify and address these inequities early, improving policy effectiveness and reducing unintended impacts. This commitment supports a more equitable workplace by ensuring policies are fair, accessible, and responsive to diverse needs.
Resources & Support
GBA Plus Online Course - Free federal training module
Equity Impact & Inclusive Policy Review Tools
Accessibility & Barrier-Reduction Guidance
Have Questions?
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