WILMINGTON, Del. — The Delaware Department of Human Resources (DHR), Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) released the FY24 Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Report and FY25 Action Plan. The report highlights measurable progress in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across Executive Branch Agencies, along with a significant increase in applications for state jobs. The report also outlines action plans for FY25 to continue the state’s commitment to workforce diversity and inclusion.

Established in 2019 as a part of Governor Carney’s Executive Order No. 30, Delaware’s Continuing Commitment to a Respectful Workplace, Executive Branch Agencies are required to develop and implement EEO/AA plans annually to promote transparency, accountability, and equitable representation in state government.

“Delaware’s state workforce should reflect the gender and racial diversity of the state’s population, and as this report documents, we continue to achieve that goal,” said DHR Secretary Claire DeMatteis. “With a concerted effort over the past three years to better promote state job openings and the benefits of working for state government, we have hired, rehired and promoted a record number of state employees in 2022 and 2023, and we are on track for another near record year in recruiting and retaining state employees in 2024.”

When comparing Executive Branch Agency data for FY23 to FY24:

• Overall, in FY24, Executive Branch employment levels increased to approximately 12,808 employees across all agencies, up from 12,560 employees in FY23, for a (1.97%) increase.
• In FY24, minorities (combined male/female) represented 5,162 (40.3%) of the State’s 12,808 employee workforce, a 1.3% increase compared to FY23.
• At 6,781, females represent (52.9%) of the State’s workforce, a 0.9% increase from FY23.
• Minority females comprise 3,153 or (46.5%) of the female workforce, and (24.6%) of the total workforce.
• At 6,027, males represent (47.1%) of the State’s workforce, a 0.9% decrease from FY23.
• Minority males comprise 2,009 or (33%) of the male workforce, and (15.7%) of the total workforce.
• A total of 444 employees voluntarily self-identified as having a disability, including 229 females and 215 males.
• Over 49,500 individuals applied for Executive Branch agency jobs in FY24, marking a 14.2% increase from FY23.

These findings reflect progress and identify areas for improvement as Delaware continues its efforts to foster equity and inclusion throughout state government.

“The concerted efforts made over the last three years have produced great progress with respect to our initiatives to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of Delaware. We are looking forward to welcoming a new administration and embracing our journey to reach new depths of inclusivity and equity in the First State,” said Richard M. Potter, Jr., Chief Diversity Officer.

To view the full report, visit the Department of Human Resources website.

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