The Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA) serves as a legislative tool aimed at promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment. Employers, particularly designated employers, are required to implement affirmative action measures to redress disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups. The EEA places obligations on employers to develop effective employment equity plan, however employers must first understand their legal obligations in order to effectively develop and adopt strategies which achieve compliance with the EEA. Below is a breakdown of the key obligations and implementation strategies for developing compliant Employment Equity (EE) Plans. 

Conduct an Employment Practices Analysis 

The employer’s first step towards compliance with the EEA is to analyze their employment practices and procedures to identify barriers that adversely affect individuals from designated groups (i.e., Black people, women, and people with disabilities). This is mandated by section 19(1) of the EEA and forms the foundation of the employment equity plan. 

Implementation: 

1. Review recruitment, promotion, and training policies to identify any biases or systemic barriers that disadvantage designated groups. 
2. Examine job descriptions and performance evaluations to ensure they do not indirectly disadvantage any group. 
3. Consult with employees from designated groups to understand their experiences and challenges within the workplace. 

Analyse Workplace Profile 

Employers are also required to conduct an analysis of their workforce to determine the degree of underrepresentation of designated groups within each occupational level. This analysis must consider national and regional demographic profiles, as outlined in section 19(2) of the EEA and item 8 of the regulations. 

Implementation: 

1. Assess workforce demographics by occupational level (e.g., senior management, professionals, skilled workers) to determine areas of underrepresentation. 
2. Benchmark against industry and national demographic data to evaluate whether the company’s representation is equitable. 

Prepare an Employment Equity Plan 

Once the analysis is complete, the employer must prepare an employment equity plan, as outlined in sections 20 and 23 of the EEA. The plan must outline the steps the employer will take to address the barriers and underrepresentation identified in the analysis. 

Implementation: 

1. Set realistic and measurable goals to improve the representation of designated groups within specific timeframes. 
2. Outline affirmative action measures, such as targeted recruitment and training programs, aimed at increasing diversity in underrepresented areas. 
3. Include timelines, resources, and accountability measures in the plan to ensure its successful implementation. 

Submit an Annual Report 

Designated employers are required to submit an annual report to the Director-General of the Department of Labour, detailing progress made in implementing the employment equity plan. This is mandated by section 21 of the EEA and must follow the format set out in Form EEA 2, which incorporates the reporting requirements and progress report. 

For public companies, the report must also be published in the annual financial report, and public sector employers must have the responsible Minister table the report in Parliament (section 22 of the EEA and item 10 of the regulations). 

Implementation: 

1. Prepare and submit Form EEA 2 annually, by the first working day of October or January (if submitting online). 
2. Ensure internal reporting systems are in place to track progress and identify any areas where the plan needs adjustment. 

Consult with Employees 

Consultation is a critical element of the employment equity process. Employers must consult with their employees, particularly employees from designated groups, on the analyses, the preparation and implementation of the employment equity plan, and the content of the annual report, as required by section 16 of the EEA. 

Implementation: 

1. Establish an employment equity committee consisting of representatives from various occupational levels, including employees from designated groups. 
2. Engage in regular consultations with employees to gather feedback on the implementation of the employment equity plan and adjust the plan where necessary. 

Assign Senior Managers to Oversee Implementation 

Designated employers must assign one or more senior managers to monitor and implement the employment equity plan, as required by section 24 of the EEA. 

Implementation: 

1. Appoint senior managers who are directly responsible for the implementation of the employment equity plan. 
2. Incorporate employment equity targets into the performance contracts of senior managers to ensure accountability and incentivise progress. 

Display Compliance Documents 

Employers must ensure that certain compliance-related documents are displayed in the workplace, where employees can easily access them. This includes: 

1. A prescribed notice informing employees about the provisions of the EEA (section 25(1)). 
2. A copy of the latest employment equity report submitted to the Department of Labour (section 25(2)(a)). 
3. Any compliance orders, arbitration awards, or Labour Court orders relating to the EEA (section 37 and item 11 of the regulations). 

Implementation: 

• Ensure that notice boards are updated with relevant information about the EEA, reports, and any compliance orders. 
• Make use of digital platforms to disseminate this information to employees working remotely. 

Simplified Forms for Small Employers 

While the Minister previously had a mandatory duty to create simplified forms for employers with fewer than 150 employees, section 50 of the EEA now provides the Minister with discretion in this regard.  

Conclusion 

Compliance with the Employment Equity Act is not only a legal obligation but also a crucial component of fostering a fair and inclusive workplace. Compliance is, however, an ongoing process that requires careful planning, analysis, and consultation. Employers must take proactive steps to identify and eliminate employment barriers, set measurable targets, and regularly review their progress. Developing a comprehensive employment equity plan and adhering to the reporting and consultation requirements, employers can meet their legal obligations and create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.  

Written by Ross Hendriks, Attorney, SchoemanLaw