Source: Android Central
What you need to know
- Back in late 2018, Google came under fire for its mishandling of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment from top executives within the company.
- A shareholder lawsuit created in 2019 has now been settled by parent company Alphabet.
- Google's released a summary of key changes it's making to better support employees going forward.
Back in late 2018, Google came under fire for claims that top executives within the company were reported for sexual harassment and sexual misconduct — the most notable of this was Andy Rubin, who's better known as one of the co-founders of Android. Google let him go with a $90 million severance package, walk away scott-free, and people were rightfully upset.
A shareholder lawsuit was quickly brought against Google and its parent company Alphabet in January 2019 in response to these claims, and well over a year later, Alphabet has finally settled.
CNBC first reported the news on September 25, 2020, with the shareholders' attorney saying, "This settlement is likely to have lasting, long-term success in bringing about major, transformative changes at Alphabet.
Source: Android Central
As part of this settlement, Google is enacting a few notable changes within the company that it hopes will ensure a situation like this doesn't happen again. These include:
A DEI Advisory Council is being created to monitor these efforts, which will report on a quarterly basis to the Leadership Development and Compensation Committee of the Board.
Any employees terminated or under investigation for sexual misconduct claims will not be eligible for severance. Furthermore, managers will receive "guidance instructing them on how misconduct should impact an employee's performance evaluation, compensation decisions, and promotion outcomes."
If allegations are made against an executive, a specialist team will be assigned to oversee it. The results of that team will then be reported to the Board's Audit Committee.
Google is investing $310 million towards "diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and programs focused on increasing access to computer science education and careers; continuing to build a more representative workforce; fostering a respectful, equitable and inclusive workplace culture; and helping businesses from underrepresented groups to succeed in the digital economy and tech industry."
In addition to all of this, Google is also making arbitration optional for all of its employees, temporary staff, vendors, and contractors for issues regarding harassment or discrimination of any kind.
Per Google's Vice President of People Operations, Eileen Naughton:
Together, Sundar, the DEI Advisory Council, and the Board will uphold Alphabet's unwavering commitment to prohibit and respond effectively to complaints of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

Review: Xplora X5 Play is a kids smartwatch with a lot of potential
Kids smartwatches are moving from only being a toy, to being full-fledged communication and safety devices. In that spirit, the Xplora X5 Play offers excellent, matured hardware with some fun ways to encourage children to be active. But does it all work in a cohesive package?

Top 5 things I want to see from the cheaper OnePlus 9R
I don't know about you, but I've been eagerly anticipating the launch of the OnePlus 9 series for months. I'm specifically excited about what the lower-cost, value flagship OnePlus 9R might look like. Here's a short wishlist of features that I hope it has.

Everything announced in Sony's March 2021 PSVR spotlight
Sony is proving that the PSVR's life is far from over with six brand new titles coming soon to the PS4 and PS5.

Stream Stadia games in style and comfort with these Stadia accessories
In order to make the most of Google Stadia on the go and through your phone, you should consider purchasing some accessories like a controller clip and wireless headphones.