Microsoft shares its plan to prevent harassment following a major review
Microsoft promises better training and more transparency regarding sexual harassment and discrimination.
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What you need to know
Microsoft just announced several steps it plans to take to prevent sexual harassment and discrimination at the company. The tech giant’s Board of Director’s engaged with the ArentFox Schiff LLP law firm to perform an independent review of Microsoft’s policies and practices. ArentFox Schiff LLP shared a 50-page report outlining its findings today (viaBloomberg).
The Microsoft Board of Directors approved several steps that the company will take based on the ArentFox Schiff report. Microsoft announced the report’s findings as well as the company’s planned course of action in ablog post. The introduction of the full report breaks down the scope of what ArentFox Schiff LLP looked at:
“Cultivating a culture where everyone is empowered to do meaningful work and can thrive is our greatest responsibility at Microsoft,” said Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella.
“The Board of Directors has taken this investigation seriously and the resulting comprehensive report outlines important areas where we can continue to improve, as well as progress we’ve made. The Board of Directors and our senior leaders are fully committed to this implementation plan as we continually work to close the gap between our espoused culture and the lived experience of our employees.”
The Board’s implantation plan covers the following areas:
Several of the steps focus on revising and updating policies regularly. The plan also covers new disclosure policies regarding certain consensual relationships between Microsoft employees. It also calls for more transparency from the tech giant and training for senior leaders and executives.
Microsoft’s Board of Directors believes that its planned steps will “not only address the specific concerns raised by ArentFox’s review, but will also allow [the company] to build a stronger, more inclusive and equitable work environment for our employees moving forward.”
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The full50-page transparency reportis available with only confidential and privileged information retracted. Microsoft’s plan is alsofully outlined in a blog post.
Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
