5 Things / making it right
This week I was inspired to learn about the specific ways video game company Activision Blizzard is turning itself around after its "bro" culture led to sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits. After a two-year investigation that culminated in a lawsuit this July, the company is making it right, in a systemic, but also authentic, way. It takes a lot of courage to admit mistakes, but when leaders do that, it can become a catalyst for a more psychologically safe work environment and a significant change in culture.
CEO Bobby Kotick, who earned $150 million last year, admitted to the mistakes that were made and sincerely apologized. He then reduced his overall compensation to $62,500 until various DEI goals were met. This shows his own specific, personal investment in changing the culture at Blizzard.
Some of the commitments include waiving a requirement for arbitration for harassment and discrimination claims; $250 million committed to building a pipeline of underrepresented talent; and goals to double the percentage of women and non-binary employees from 23 % to 50%.
Here are some of the other good vibes I learned this week:
Mastercard introduced the Touch Card which has special notches on the short ends to enable visually impaired and blind folks to more easily distinguish between cards. The card was vetted by several major organizations supporting those who are visually impaired. This matters to many who face this challenge out of the 2.2 billion visually impaired people around the world.
The Mayo Clinic provides disposable hijabs to its patients. This matters to Muslim women who can now stay authentic while receiving medical care. Thanks to Karen Catlin for sharing this story on Twitter.
Doritos has a beautiful new ad celebrating Dia de los Muertos. This Spanish-language ad has a delightful gay twist which matters because LGBTQ+ folks are less visible in media of many Spanish-language countries.. You've got to check it out.
In what I've noticed as a trend in Europe, Kellogg's in the UK is now providing its employees with paid leave for fertility treatments, menopause, and miscarriage. The notable thing about this particular policy is that managers will be trained on how to talk about the menopause and pregnancy loss. That is significant, and all of this matters because it de-stigmatizes reproductive healthcare.
Image by Natalie Hua