The EEOC has issued its annual report, and here are some of the items of interest for fiscal year 2011:

• A record number of charges of discrimination were filed, 99,947 to be exact.
• It recovered more than $364.6 million in monetary benefits for employees – highest level in Commission history.
• EEOC mediation resulted in more than $170 million for complainants.

The EEOC is responsible for investigating and conciliating claims by employees of the following types of discrimination: age, disability, equal pay, genetic information, national origin, pregnancy, race/color, religion, sex, sexual harassment. It also handles claims of retaliation.Now more than ever, it is wise to have in place policies and practices to eliminate discrimination and retaliation and, if need be, to provide your company with a defense should charges be filed with the EEOC.

By Kristen L. Brightmire, kbrightmire@dsda.com