Bill Gates faced accusations of harassment (Michael Lucizano/Getty)
Inc. announced MicrosoftYesterday, Tuesday, it will update its policies for dealing with sexual harassment and gender discrimination among its employees, after conducting a review that revealed its shortcomings.
The report comes a year after Microsoft shareholders approved a motion requiring the board to publish a policy review sexual harassment at work. In January, the board authorized the company to hire a law firm to review the policies, prepare a report, and make recommendations.
Microsoft published a 50-page transparency report that is considered important in an industry that is making efforts to improve diversity and ensure that sexual misconduct is taken seriously.
At Microsoft, allegations of harassment and discrimination led to internal discussions that reached public opinion.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said, In a statement to the companyThe Board of Directors and our senior leaders are fully committed to this implementation plan, as we continually work to bridge the gap between our culture and the lived experience of our employees.
The shareholder proposal last year followed a report that Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates had left the company’s board of directors after it investigated an allegation that he tried to start an affair with an employee two decades ago.
Such proposals usually fail, and the company recommended shareholders vote against it, but it received 77.97 percent of the total vote, according to a regulatory filing.
Microsoft promised to provide data each year on harassment reports, the percentage of proven allegations and the company’s responses.