Raleigh, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Labor (NCDOL) announced a policy shift regarding employee performance evaluations. Effective immediately, the department will no longer use Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) metrics as part of its evaluation process.
In a statement, the department emphasized a renewed focus on merit-based hiring and evaluation practices, citing its commitment to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of North Carolinians. The change includes the removal of DEI as a core measurement for evaluating employee performance and a directive for managers and supervisors to exclude DEI metrics in their assessments.
“I am directing the Office of State Human Resources to remove DEI as a core measurement for evaluating NCDOL employee performance and am also directing that NCDOL managers and supervisors no longer consider DEI as an evaluation method,” the statement read. “Going forward, I am adding a performance measure related to safety and health, which will ensure that we hold ourselves to the same standards that we expect and require of our state’s employers.”
The department’s revised approach will prioritize safety and health performance metrics, aiming to align internal standards with those required of businesses across the state. The statement concluded with an emphasis on hiring and retaining “qualified, professional individuals” to provide “excellent service to our state.”
This decision comes amid ongoing national conversations surrounding the role of DEI in public and private sector operations. While proponents of DEI initiatives argue they are critical for fostering inclusive workplaces, some critics suggest such metrics can divert attention from core organizational goals.
The NCDOL’s announcement signals a shift in focus for the department, highlighting its dedication to its mission and operational standards.