Microsoft shareholders vote for sexual-harassment report
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Satya Nadella is Microsoft CEO. This was taken during the panel discussion at the World Economic Forum, Davos Switzerland on Jan. 17, 2017.
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MicrosoftIn rare support for activist initiatives, shareholders approved Tuesday’s proposal to have the board publish a report on workplace sexual harassment policy effectiveness. The proposal was rejected by the board of directors at the hardware and software maker.
This is a decision that comes one and a quarter years after Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, quit his post on the company board. A report claimed Gates tried to have a relationship in 2000 with an employee. That led to a board investigation.
Microsoft is not alone in seeking to adjust its workforce as a result of MeToo. Many employees had complained about harassment within the company. The company has seen a rise in the number of male employees. fired some employeesFollowing complaints
The shareholder proposal stated that “While Microsoft may have conducted internal investigations regarding sexual harassment and discrimination claims in the past, but it has yet to disclose transparently any independent investigations to employees or investors.” most recent proxy statement. Microsoft must foster a culture that is accountable and transparent, protect employees from harassment, and ensure shareholders are protected against reputational and legal risk.
Requests for information regarding investigations into executives including Gates were made. They also asked about the number and outcomes of the cases that the company had investigated.
Microsoft stated that it has already begun plans to issue annual reports on the implementation of its harassment and discrimination laws. This effort, it claimed would cover most of the shareholders proposal. It includes data on harassment cases and how much it can support.
Arjuna Capital regularly submits shareholder proposals and said Microsoft’s plans didn’t go far enough.
Natasha Lamb was co-founder of Arjuna Capital and managing partner. She wrote to investors: “The company’s commitment to commence annual public reporting about sexual harassment allegations and gender discrimination allegations ignores the necessity for reporting on independent, executive-level investigations.”
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