Microsoft to Adopt New Sexual Harassment Policies After Gates, Misconduct Audit

The software giant will put out an annual report of claims and institute other policy changes following a review of complaints at the firm

By Dina Bass and Jeff Green, November 15, 2022

Microsoft Corp. will adopt a series of new sexual harassment policies, following recommendations made by a law firm the company hired to review its practices after reports of misconduct and employee complaints.

The 50-page report, released Tuesday, outlined 11 recommendations for the software giant, including requiring leaders to disclose consensual relationships with employees. Microsoft in a blog post said it will address all the recommendations by June 30, including releasing an annual review of internal harassment claims with how many were substantiated and what kinds of action were taken as a result. The inaugural report will come by Dec. 1. 

“Our review revealed that the Company strives to follow best practices,” wrote lawyers from the firm ArentFox Schiff LLP, which prepared the report shared with Bloomberg News by Microsoft. “Nevertheless… we recommend that the Company consider implementing certain enhancements to their existing policies, procedures, and practices.”

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