Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is a top priority for the City of Worcester, and its mission is to cultivate a workplace environment reflective of the Worcester community with a culture of service, respect and accountability.
The Executive Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (EODEI) seeks to implement the City's DEI mission and is dedicated to recruiting, hiring, including, developing, retaining, engaging and motivating a diverse, high-performing and thriving workforce, where all feel welcome. This will be accomplished through a framework centered around the following commitments set forth by City Manager Eric D. Batista's administration:
Accelerating representation within City workforce and leadership
Increasing access to opportunities through an equitable hiring process
Providing DEI trainings and professional development opportunities
Fostering an environment where people with disabilities are included, empowered and have access to support
Advancing equal pay for equal work
Ensuring diverse vendors have equal opportunity to conduct business with the City
In 2023, the EODEI's leadership and cabinet-level position was renamed from Chief Diversity Officer to Chief Equity Officer to better reflect its greater mission. The City is currently engaged in a national search for a Chief Equity Officer and is working with GovHR, a woman-owned and led public management consulting firm with extensive experience with recruiting executive managers, and specifically within the DEI field. In addition, the Human Rights, Investigations and Training & Development divisions were transitioned to the EODEI, along with the Human Rights Commission, Advisory Committee on the Status of Women, Accessibility Advisory Committee and a newly created Advisory Committee on Latino Affairs.
Based on the results of independent consultant Letterman White LLC's Racial Equity Audit Report, completed in September 2022, City Manager Eric Batista is taking the following steps:
Hosted virtual Town Halls for city employees at all levels of government to share their questions and concerns about the Report with the City Manager.
Collaborated with the administration's Cabinet to establish a 5th priority in the City's Strategic Plan that establishes a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion mission, vision, goals, objectives and metrics.
Worked with the Human Resources Department to further standardize and centralize the hiring process for City jobs.
Worked with Letterman White LLC to establish an implementation plan for breaking down barriers to change, including the establishment of a disaggregate data collection system that will allow the City to measure its progress in diversifying the City workforce.
Worked with department heads to establish clear DEI goals within their Departmental Development Plans that were submitted as part of the Fiscal 2024 budget process.
Removed the requirement that physicals and drug tests are required for all candidates who have accepted job offers to reduce the barriers to employment. The requirement will remain in place for certain positions.
Changed the parking policy so that employees who work at downtown City offices no longer need to pay for monthly parking passes in City garages and lots to reduce barriers to employment and increase employee retention.
Programs & Initiatives
Affirmative Action Plan It is the policy of the City of Worcester to insure non-discrimination in all its employment decisions. The Plan highlights hiring, selection, promotion, recruitment and retention practices to insure equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in all employment decisions.
Employment Opportunities The City of Worcester is proud to be a city with a well-educated and diverse work force. With the City of Worcester, employees enjoy paid vacation and sick days, paid holidays and group health insurance. Full Time, Part Time as well as Paid and Non-Paid Internship positions are offered.
Work for Worcester
Home to more than 200,000 residents and thriving businesses, renowned higher educational institutions, diverse cultural amenities and a vibrant social scene, Worcester is a leading New England city and a great place to live and work.
Contact Information
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 51 Sever Street Worcester, MA 01609
