Benchmark your diversity efforts using new database of EEO-1 stats.

The EEOC has just released a searchable database of the EEO-1 data it collects each year from large employers. It's called EEOC Explore, and it can be a valuable resource for HR professionals interested in comparing their diversity initiatives and auditing hiring practices for possible bias.

EEOC Explore provides income and job data for the nation's largest private employers, pulled from 2017 and 2018 EEO-1 forms. You can filter the data by location, industry, job category and year.

Use the database to determine minority and female employment benchmarks for your industry, type of business and locality. EEOC Explore also provides a mapping function that can display data breakdowns at the national, state and metropolitan level.

This data is critical in setting realistic targets for diversity initiatives. If your numbers fall significantly below industry standards, consider...