Equal opportunity employment means not discriminating against employees or job applicants because of their age, race, gender, religion, nationality, and similar protected characteristics. If an employee can prove you treat your staff unequally, you might have to pay out to settle the case. Equal opportunity employment means not discriminating against employees or job applicants because of their age, race, gender, religion, nationality, and similar protected characteristics. If an employee can prove you treat your staff unequally, you might have to pay out to settle the case.