Civility, Fairness, Belonging & Accessibility for All

The Department of Commerce is dedicated to creating a workplace culture that champions civility, fairness, belonging, well-being, and accessibility for all. These principles are key to the foundation to create an environment and culture where everyone can succeed and contribute to our shared mission.

Ways DOC Employees and Leadership Can Support Civility and Belonging in the Workplace

• Join Voluntary Employee Organizations - With more than 150 Voluntary Employee Organizations across the department, these groups provide a place for employees interested in meeting, discussing, and collaborating on issues of mutual interest. These groups offer opportunities for career development and other topics such as financial management and how to apply for SES positions, to name a few benefits.  
• Participate in Civility Training: You can find Civility Training through the Office of Civil Rights. Examples of the training include unconscious bias, conflict resolution, and navigating cultural differences. You can identify these opportunities by contacting the Department of Commerce Office of Civil Rights Office directly. 
• Foster Civility - Treat others with respect, actively listen, and approach interactions with empathy and understanding. Civility strengthens teamwork and enhances workplace harmony.
• Advance Fairness: Promote equity in opportunities, decision-making, and access to resources, ensuring every employee is valued and supported in their role.
• Create a Sense of Belonging: Build connections within your team, celebrate diverse contributions, and ensure all individuals feel included and appreciated for their unique perspectives.
• Support Well-Being: Take advantage of programs that enhance physical, mental, and emotional health to maintain a balanced, thriving workplace.
• Ensure Accessibility for All: Strive to remove barriers, provide accommodations, and make resources universally available to meet the multifaceted needs of our workforce.
• Plan/organize Special Observance or commemorative events- The purpose of these events is to promote civility, understanding and belonging while acknowledging the contributions of communities that make up our nation. Learn more about Special Emphasis Programs!

A FEW WAYS SUPERVISORS AND LEADERS CAN SUPPORT CIVILITY, BELONGING & FAIRNESS:

• Create and maintain a safe, civil, and fair work environment for your employees, so they feel like they belong and are comfortable speaking about their issues, concerns and well-being.
• Uphold Equal Employment Opportunity laws, Departmental policies, and the department’s commitment to civil and EEO rights. OCR EEO Complaint Page.
• Understand the legal and regulatory definitions, the theories of discrimination, and the EEO process/program basics.
• Prevent, recognize, and end discrimination and harassment (of any kind) in the workplace.
• Participate in, support, and encourage your employees to engage in special observance programs and voluntary employee organizations.
• Utilize the hiring authorities and programs available to you; know your Bureau’s workforce demographics and employment goals.
• Volunteer to serve as a Champion or Sponsor for a voluntary employee organization.
• Mentor/Coach someone outside of your division.
• Issue a memo to staff supporting civil rights and EEO policies.
• Take time to discuss civil rights and EEO topics in your staff meetings.

As DOC employees, we invite you to get involved and advocate for the Department’s safe, civil and fair workplace initiatives. We rely on you to be the voice to emphasize the importance of VEOs, OCR, and the EEOC.

Resources

• DOC FY21 Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program Report
• DOC FY20 Federal Equal Opportunity Recruitment Program Plan
• DOC Office of Civil Rights
• Employee Engagement Toolkit

Councils

• N/A

Voluntary Employee Organizations

• HCHB Affinity Group/Employee Resource Group Listing
• CENSUS Affinity Group/Employee Resource Group Listing
• NOAA Employee Resource Group Co-Chairs and Affinity Group Leaders
• NIST Employee Resource Group Listing

Additional Resources:

• Addressing Workplace Issues
• Gender-Inclusive Language Promising Practice Guide

DOC Bureau offices and points of contact click Here.