Microsoft will settle a California case alleging discrimination against employees who took statutory leave for $14.4 million. The company will undertake management training and review its employee evaluation policies .
Conflict with employees
The essence of the complaints
Microsoft Corporation agreed pay $14.4 million to settle a lawsuit in California. The complaints related to alleged punishment of workers who exercised their legal right to leave. The state Department of Civil Rights has already announced a tentative agreement.
Funds distribution
Once approved by the judge, most of the money will go to Microsoft's California employees. This will affect those who took leave from 2017 to date to care for a child, a sick relative or for disability and who want to join the settlement.
Company policy problems
The Department alleged that Microsoft's policies discriminate on the basis of gender and disability. Employees expressed concern about possible retaliation after requesting legal leave. The complaint alleges the company's insufficient efforts to prevent protected leave from being taken into account when assessing an employee's "impact" on bonuses, raises and other incentives.
Corrective Action
As part of the agreement, Microsoft will provide training to executives and HR professionals in California. Managers will be instructed not to consider protected leave when making decisions about an employee's "impact." Compliance with the terms will be monitored by the consulting firm APTMetrics.
Course for Improvement
Under Satya Nadella's leadership, the company is committed to greater diversity in leadership and increased sensitivity to issues of harassment and discrimination . The share of women in leadership positions is growing: in 2023 they made up 31.2% of the workforce, up from 27.6% in 2019. In 2022, Microsoft revised its policies on sexual harassment and gender discrimination after identifying problems in handling complaints.
Glossary
- Microsoft is an American technology corporation, one of the largest software manufacturers
- Satya Nadella - CEO of Microsoft since 2014
- APTMetrics is a consulting company specializing in HR and organizational development
- Redmond is a city in Washington State where Microsoft is headquartered
- California Department of Civil Rights is a government agency that protects civil rights in the state
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Answers to questions
How much will Microsoft pay to settle the California case?
Who will receive compensation in this settlement?
What measures will Microsoft take to prevent similar situations in the future?
How has the ratio of women in the Microsoft workforce changed in recent years?
What steps has Microsoft taken to address issues of discrimination and harassment?
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Discussion of the topic – Microsoft will pay $14.4 million for retaliation against employees who took time off
Microsoft will settle a case in California for $14.4 million over allegations of retaliation against employees who took legal leave. The money will go to employees who have taken leave to care for a child, family member, or disability since 2017.
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Emma
Wow! $14.4 million is no small amount. Looks like Microsoft seriously screwed up with this vacation story. I wonder how this will affect their reputation? 🤔
Hans
Emma, I agree, the amount is impressive. But I think that for a company like Microsoft this is a drop in the bucket. What's more important is that they have recognized the problem and are willing to change. Manager training is a good step forward.
Sophie
Guys, have you noticed that the percentage of women in Microsoft management is growing? From 27.6% to 31.2% in 4 years - this is progress! Maybe this situation will help accelerate positive changes in the company? 💪
Giovanni
Sophie, you're right, there is progress. But I think Microsoft could have acted faster. 31.2% is still far from equality. I hope this incident will be a catalyst for more decisive action. 🚀
Olaf
Ha! All this talk about diversity and equality is just fashionable nonsense. Microsoft is paying the fine because they were forced to, not because they really want to change anything. Business is business, nothing new.
Isabella
Olaf, I disagree. Yes, the fine is a response to the problem, but look at Microsoft's efforts to diversify in recent years. They really try! And the APTMetrics consultant will monitor the fulfillment of promises. This is a good sign! 👍
Pierre
I wonder how this will affect other tech companies? Maybe they'll start revising their policies to avoid problems like this? This could be the start of big changes in the industry! 🌟
Marta
Pierre, great idea! I think this can really be an example for others. And also, you know what? I'm glad that such problems are coming to the surface. This means we are moving in the right direction as a society. Transparency is the key to change! 🔑