Google Responds To Staff Walkouts: “It’s Clear We Need To Make Some Changes”
Google has responded to walkouts which took place across the globe last week by staff at the tech giant, following allegations of internal sexual assault not being dealt with fairly and transparently.
The walkouts, which took place in most major cities, including Sydney, Tokyo, London and New York, were in response to Google’s handling of claims made against Andy Rubin, the creator of the company’s Android software.
According to a New York Times article, Rubin was paid $US90 million ($127 million) when he left the company in 2014 after a sexual misconduct investigation deemed allegations against him were credible.
At the time of his departure, Larry Page, Google’s chief executive then, said in a public statement: “I want to wish Andy all the best with what’s next.”
Now, it has been revealed CEO Sundar Pichai sent an email to Google employees to discuss changes being made to better support them.
In the email, Pichai wrote: “At Google we try hard to build a workplace that supports our employees and empowers them to do their best work.
“As CEO, I take this responsibility very seriously and I’m committed to making the changes we need to improve.
“Over the past few weeks, Google’s leaders and I have heard your feedback and have been moved by the stories you’ve shared.
“We recognize that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that. It’s clear we need to make some changes.
“Going forward, we will provide more transparency on how we handle concerns. We’ll give better support and care to the people who raise them. And we will double down on our commitment to be a representative, equitable, and respectful workplace.”
When the walkouts were taking place last week, Pichai released a public statement, which said: “Earlier this week, we let Googlers know that we are aware of the activities planned for today and that employees will have the support they need if they wish to participate.
“Employees have raised constructive ideas for how we can improve our policies and our processes going forward.
“We are taking in all their feedback so we can turn these ideas into action.”
In his recent email, Pichai addressed the tech giant’s “comprehensive action plan” to deal with assault claims in the future.
According to Pichai, Google will:
- Make arbitration optional for individual sexual harassment and sexual assault claims
- Provide more granularity around sexual harassment investigations and outcomes at the company as part of our Investigations Report
- Revamping the way we handle and look into your concerns
- Update and expand our mandatory sexual harassment training
- Recommit to our company-wide OKR around diversity, equity and inclusion again in 2019
Pichai finished the email by stating: “This is an area where we need to continually make progress and are committed to doing so.
“We often hear from Googlers that the best part of working here is other Googlers. Even in difficult times, we are encouraged by the commitment of our colleagues to create a better workplace. That’s come through very strongly over the past few weeks.”
Check out the full statement here.
Latest News
James Charles Has YouTube Channel Demonetised After Allegations He Sexted Minors
Beauty YouTuber James Charles has had his YouTube account demonetised after allegations surfaced that he sexted minors. Charles has more than 25.5 million subscribers on YouTube, where he gained popularity for his makeup videos. He is worth an estimated US$22 million. Since February, a number of boys under the age of 18 have accused Charles […]
Facebook Ups Data Portability Efforts With ‘Transfer Your Information’ Tool
You can now transfer all your old crap on Facebook. Although it might be better to just delete some of the old photos.
Purpose, Or Is It Porpoise?
In his latest guest post, B&T regular Robert Strohfeldt skewers marketers’ latest buzzword – purpose… I used to flick through the various newspapers cartoons each day – reckon it would be tough trying to create a cartoon each day, based on a major news story, that is both funny and insightful. Since the PC mob […]
MILO Cereal Launches ‘Beast Mode’ Campaign Via Connecting Plots
MILO Cereal has launched its first major marketing campaign for its newly launched Protein cereal, via independent creative communications agency Connecting Plots. Building on MILO’s brand message of fuelling active kids, the new campaign platform, ‘Beast Mode – Activated’, evolves the master brand’s focus on team sports. This aims to celebrate how MILO Protein helps […]
All Hail The Winners! It’s All Your Women Leading Tech Trophy Recipients
Women Leading Tech winners were lauded at a gala lunch today. And, right on cue, the damn Powerpoint preso didn't work.
Dear Internet – One Year On From COVID
This columnist has thanked the internet for keeping us connected. The NBN fails to get a mention, unsurprisingly.
Flight Centre Unveils New Captains In First-ever Global Brand Campaign
Flight Centre has unveiled a new look and a global brand campaign that poses a tongue-in-cheek challenge to Aussie travellers. The launch also marks the brand’s first global campaign across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada and South Africa, highlighting Flight Centre’s collective travel expertise. Created by Flight Centre Australia’s in-house creative team, ‘There’s Nowhere […]
Andrew O’Keefe Has Two Charges Of Assault Added To Domestic Violence Case
This is one of those rather unpleasant stories B&T doesn't enjoy running. We'd far prefer to be bringing you cute dogs.
GroupM Unveils Next-Gen Performance & Programmatic Marketing Offering
This GroupM tech news will have you thinking you're in a scene from Star Trek minus the skivvies and the elongated ears.
7.30 Report Reveals More Allegations Of Racism From Former Neighbours Actors
More racism allegations on the Neighbours set, as Alf quickly adds a spicy lentil dahl & papadums to the diner's menu.
Facebook To Release Clubhouse Competitor
Facebook set to release a Clubhouse competitor. That's an audio-based social media app & nothing at all to do with golf.
Coles Insurance Encourages Aussies To Get Back To “What Really Counts” Via TBWA\Melbourne
Coles continuing to flog its insurance. And if it's as good as its BBQ chooks then you're in for a juicy stuffing.
Five Ways Marketers Can Help Young Aussies Move Forward
Here's ways marketers can help young Aussies without once mentioning the insidious smashed avo on gluten-free chia rye.
North Appointed To Launch Digital Platform for BlueScope’s Steel Profile Magazine
B&T enjoys BlueScope’s Steel Profile magazine for the innovative design, the Sudoku puzzle and the spongecake recipes.
marie claire’s Nicky Briger: “Why Magazine Covers Will Never Be The Same Again”
marie claire says "magazine covers will never be the same", as Fishing World editor weighs up the salmon over the trout.
Mad Max: Fury Road Prequel, Furiosa, To Be Filmed In NSW
Plans for the next Mad Max revealed with news Chris Hemsworth is in and Tina Turner is out.
Monday TV Wrap: Lego Masters Trumps Masterchef In Night Of Premieres
Does your mum still make a roast dinner whenever you visit? It's much like Australian television - samey but delicious.
Ad Man Makes (Slightly Spooky) Video Honouring His Love Of The Recently Disbanded Daft Punk
Have you been waiting for the opportune moment to robot dance around the office? Get set to immediately Rockit here.
Seven West Media Announces Australia-First KERV Partnership To Revolutionise Shopping
It's the latest revolution in shopping that will again have you questioning the size of your Mastercard statement.
Initiative Launches Deep Dive Into Australia’s Legal Cannabis Market
The number of Domino's pizza boxes in Initiative's wheelie bin a testament to the research into this cannabis study.
13.6 Million UK Viewers Watch Prince Philip’s Funeral
Prince Philip's funeral enjoys impressive TV numbers despite an absence of sideline comments from Brad 'Freddy' Fittler.
Julia Morris Says ‘I Love Money’ In New National Campaign For Homestar Finance Via Now We Collide
Comedienne Julia Morris once again proves that title's a bit of a stretch in slightly painful home loan ad.
Why High-Performing Marketers Experimented With New Strategies During The Pandemic
Here's what high-performing marketers did during the pandemic. Although the low-performing ones would've been funnier.
Small Wineries In Australia Can Now Access Voice AI To Connect And Sell Directly To Consumers
Wineries can now access voice AI. And after a few bottles, you can voice them back with some Celine or an Adele number.
Three Science-Backed Strategies To Make Your People Happier & More Productive
Here are three tips to a happier workplace that don't include booze, leaving early & repeats of Hey Hey It's Saturday.
IAS Report: Australian Digital Advertisers Experience Higher Brand Risks Across All Buying
B&T's calling this report "a turning point for makers of the saga". Even if it's actually a review for Godzilla Vs Kong.
Quintis Appoints Illuminate As Global PR Partner
Quintis is apparently a maker of sandalwood products and not a really bad misspelling of Australia's national airline.
Even More Pics From The 30 Under 30 Awards!
It's even more photos from Thursday's 30 Under 30! Re-live all the action, the bad dancing and the stodgy paella here.
triple j Hack Launches Crowdsourced Investigation Into How Social Media Affects Body Image
Is it just us but are the disadvantages of social media starting to heavily outweigh the advantages?
Will Failed TV Rights Negotiations Lead To A Multi-Billion-Dollar Breakaway Football Competition In Europe?
Most fights are either about money or a bottle of rum is involved. We'll leave you to decide where this falls.
