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The IDEAL Workplace
Working IDEAL provides trusted, effective and innovative advice on inclusive workplaces, diverse talent and fair pay to large and small companies, universities, non-profits, unions and other organizations across the nation.
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What Juneteenth Teaches Us About Power, Progress, and Persistence
/in Principals/by Pamela CoukosAs we honor Juneteenth, I am reflecting on our federal government’s current ongoing assault on basic principles of civil and human rights – and how it is part of our country’s long history of racism manifested as slavery, segregation, and economic and social inequality. I am also thinking of what we can learn from the […]
Former EEOC and Department of Labor Officials Provide a Clear Road Map to Lawful and Effective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
/in DEI/by The Team at Working IDEALWe recently shared the two open letters below urging employers to maintain their diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility policies in the face of threats by the Trump administration seeking to chill this legal and effective work to support equal opportunity. One letter by former EEOC Officials, including Working IDEAL Collaborating Partner Jenny R. Yang, and […]
Trump’s DOJ Can’t Rewrite the Law on DEI. Here’s Why Companies Shouldn’t Back Down.
/in DEI, News, Policy/by The Team at Working IDEALThis article originally appeared on Fortune.com By: Jenny R. Yang and Pamela Coukos The Trump administration has issued three executive orders seeking to dismantle the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion across the federal government—and to intimidate private companies and grantees into retreating from this work. These are radical, unprecedented moves aimed at upending America’s […]
Statement of Jenny R. Yang and Pamela Coukos on Trump’s Executive Order Revoking EO 11246
/in Policy/by Working IDEAL Team“President Trump’s EO rescinding EO 11246—which required federal contractors to eliminate discriminatory practices—is a dangerous scheme to gut our nation’s equal opportunity protections by dismantling the government’s role in protecting civil rights.” – Jenny R. Yang On January 22, 2025, President Trump issued an Executive Order that rescinds critical equal opportunity protections for federal contractor […]
Student Loan Repayment Benefits: A Win-Win for Employers and Employees
/in DEI/by Sarah CrawfordThe burden of student loan debt presents a significant financial challenge for millions of Americans. Student loan debt disproportionately affects people of color and women and contributes to wealth gaps. On average, African American student borrowers owe $25,000 more than white student borrowers, and women take on two-thirds of student debt. The impact of student […]
12 Key Elements of a Model Pay Policy
/in Pay Equity/by Sarah CrawfordA model pay policy ensures fairness, competitiveness, and clarity for the employer and employees. A well-designed policy and consistent practices help to attract and retain top talent, and compliance with federal, state, and local requirements. A clear expression of values. A pay philosophy links organizational values that drive decisions about compensation. For example, a pay […]