Non-merit factors are those factors that relate exclusively to personal or social characteristics or traits and are not substantially related to successful job performance (Municode Library, 2023). These factors can include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other personal characteristics (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.).
Key Facts
- Definition: Non-merit factors are those factors that relate exclusively to personal or social characteristics or traits and are not substantially related to successful job performance.
- Examples of non-merit factors: Non-merit factors can include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other personal characteristics.
- Prohibited discrimination: The United States government prohibits employment discrimination based on non-merit factors. This means that employers cannot make unfavorable hiring decisions based on these factors.
- Equal Employment Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Labor ensures equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on non-merit factors. They encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
Prohibited Discrimination
The United States government prohibits employment discrimination based on non-merit factors (Municode Library, 2023). This means that employers cannot make unfavorable hiring decisions based on these factors (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.). For example, an employer cannot refuse to hire an applicant because of their race, sex, or religion.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The U.S. Department of Labor ensures equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on non-merit factors (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.). They encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities (U.S. Department of Labor, n.d.).
Conclusion
Non-merit factors are those factors that relate exclusively to personal or social characteristics or traits and are not substantially related to successful job performance. The United States government prohibits employment discrimination based on non-merit factors. The U.S. Department of Labor ensures equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination based on non-merit factors. They encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.
References
Municode Library. (2023). Code of Ordinances. Retrieved from https://library.municode.com/ca/los_angeles_county/codes/code_of_ordinances/379113?nodeId=TIT5PE_APX1CISERU_RULE_25MESYST
U.S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Equal Employment Opportunity. Retrieved from https://www.dol.gov/agencies/sol/careers/equal-employment-opportunity
FAQs
What are non-merit factors?
Non-merit factors are those factors that relate exclusively to personal or social characteristics or traits and are not substantially related to successful job performance.
What are some examples of non-merit factors?
Examples of non-merit factors include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other personal characteristics.
Is it illegal to discriminate against someone based on non-merit factors?
Yes, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on non-merit factors. The United States government prohibits employment discrimination based on non-merit factors.
What should I do if I believe I have been discriminated against based on a non-merit factor?
If you believe you have been discriminated against based on a non-merit factor, you should file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
What is the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is a federal agency that enforces federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination.
What is the purpose of the EEOC?
The purpose of the EEOC is to ensure equal employment opportunity for all Americans and to eliminate discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or genetic information.
How can I file a complaint with the EEOC?
You can file a complaint with the EEOC online, by mail, or in person. You can find more information on how to file a complaint on the EEOC’s website.
What happens after I file a complaint with the EEOC?
After you file a complaint with the EEOC, the EEOC will investigate your complaint and try to resolve it through conciliation. If the EEOC is unable to resolve your complaint through conciliation, it may file a lawsuit on your behalf.