Aspen Systems Inc. Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

1. Welcome to Aspen Systems Inc.!

At Aspen Systems Inc., we believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential to our success. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. This Policy on Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a cornerstone of our commitment to providing a fair and welcoming workplace for all.

2. Who Are the Stakeholders?

Aspen Systems Inc. is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion and respect. This policy applies to everyone in our company, including employees, employment applicants, contractors, and vendors. It covers all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, compensation, benefits, and beyond.

3. Our Commitment to You

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our workplace is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation, ensuring a positive and supportive environment.

4. What We Mean by Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation

  • Discrimination: Treating someone unfavorably because of protected characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or veteran status. This includes decisions related to hiring, firing, promotions, pay, job assignments, training, benefits, and any other terms or conditions of employment. Discrimination can be direct (e.g., explicitly refusing to hire someone based on race) or indirect (e.g., applying policies that disadvantage certain groups without a legitimate business necessity).
  • Harassment: Unwelcome conduct related to a protected characteristic that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive work environment. Harassment can take many forms, including:
    • Verbal Harassment: Derogatory comments, slurs, jokes, or name-calling.
    • Physical Harassment: Unwanted touching, physical assault, or threats.
    • Visual Harassment: Displaying offensive posters, cartoons, or drawings.
    • Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
  • Retaliation: Taking adverse action against an employee for engaging in protected activities. Protected activities include filing a discrimination complaint, participating in an investigation or lawsuit, opposing discriminatory practices, or requesting reasonable accommodations for a disability or religious belief. Adverse actions can include firing, demotion, harassment, or any other action that would deter a reasonable person from engaging in protected activities. Retaliation is strictly prohibited and undermines our commitment to a fair and inclusive workplace.

5. Your Role in Our Inclusive Culture

  • Management: Lead by example, ensuring compliance with EEO laws and promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. Respond promptly to any EEO concerns. Management also maintains an open-door policy to resolve any problems or questions you may have, ensuring transparency and trust.
  • Employees: Treat everyone with respect and dignity. Report any discrimination, harassment, or retaliation you experience or witness. Participate in our EEO training.
  • Human Resources (HR): Support and guide all EEO matters. Provide training, investigate concerns, and ensure our policies are upheld.

6. How We Ensure Fairness

  • Recruitment and Hiring: Our job postings reflect our EEO commitment, and we select candidates based on their qualifications and fit for the role.
  • Training and Development: We offer regular EEO training for all employees and additional support for managers and HR.
  • Reporting and Resolving Issues: If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, please report it to your supervisor, HR, or any member of management. Our management team maintains an open-door policy, inviting you to discuss any concerns or questions anytime. We handle all reports confidentially and investigate them promptly.
  • Taking Action: If a policy violation is found, we will take appropriate action, up to and including termination of employment.

7. No Retaliation Here

We strictly prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports discrimination or harassment or participates in an investigation. If you report an issue, you can be confident that you are protected from retaliation.

8. Keeping Records

HR keeps detailed records of all EEO complaints, investigations, and outcomes. These records are kept confidential and separate from your personnel file.

9. Regular Reviews

We regularly review and update this policy to ensure it complies with current laws and meets our goals for an inclusive workplace. Any changes will be communicated to all employees.

10. Legal Compliance

We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local EEO laws, including:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA)
  • The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
  • The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
  • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
  • The Rehabilitation Act of 1973
  • The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA)
  • Executive Order 11246
  • Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA)
  • Any other relevant Colorado state laws and regulations.

11. Celebrating Diversity

We know that diversity is vital to our success. We enhance our creativity and innovation by bringing together people with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain individuals from diverse backgrounds.

12. Embracing Transparency

Transparency is key to building trust and accountability. We openly share our EEO policies and practices and provide regular updates on our diversity and inclusion efforts. We believe that openness fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among our employees.

13. Accommodating Our Employees

At Aspen Systems Inc., we are committed to making reasonable accommodations to support employees with disabilities and other needs. Whether you need adjustments to your work environment, flexible scheduling, or other accommodations, we are here to help. Our goal is to ensure that all employees can perform their jobs effectively and comfortably.

14. Ensuring Equal Pay

Aspen Systems Inc. is dedicated to ensuring that all employees receive fair and equal pay for their work. We regularly review our compensation practices to eliminate disparities based on gender, race, religion, or other protected characteristics. Our commitment to equal pay reflects our broader commitment to fairness and equity in all aspects of employment.

As part of our commitment, we adhere to the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEWA), which includes the following key provisions:

  • Equal Pay for Equal Work: We ensure that employees performing substantially similar work are paid equally, without discrimination based on sex, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. We regularly conduct pay equity audits to identify and address any disparities.
  • Transparency in Job Postings: All job postings include the expected pay range and a description of benefits offered. This transparency helps ensure that all candidates, regardless of gender or other protected characteristics, have access to the same information when applying for positions.
  • Promotion and Advancement Opportunities: We provide equal opportunities for promotion and advancement. Job opportunities, including promotions, are posted internally to ensure that all employees are aware of and have the opportunity to apply for these positions.
  • Record-Keeping: We maintain records of job descriptions, wages, and employee demographics to ensure compliance with the EPEWA and to support our commitment to pay equity.

15. Stakeholder Commitment

Aspen Systems Inc. is a stakeholder company, which means we are committed to the well-being and success of all our stakeholders, including employees, customers, shareholders, and the communities in which we operate. Our EEO policy is not just about compliance; it’s about building a better future for our company and everyone connected to it. We believe fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential to achieving long-term success and sustainability.

16. Let’s Talk

If you have questions about this policy or need to report a concern, we’re here to help. Please reach out to our HR team:

Human Resources Department
Aspen Systems Inc.
3900 Youngfield Street
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
HR Dept 303-431-4606

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By adopting this Equal Employment Opportunity Policy, Aspen Systems Inc. reaffirms our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered. Thank you for being part of our inclusive community!