Pinterest to Implement Workplace Culture Changes
Pinterest has announced its dedication to implementing the suggestions put forth by a special committee established by its board of directors, as detailed in a recent company blog post. This committee was formed earlier this year in June, following public accusations of racial and gender discrimination leveled by former employees Ifeoma Ozoma and Aerica Shimizu Banks during their time with Pinterest.
The committee engaged the law firm WilmerHale to perform a comprehensive review of the workplace and gathered insights from over 350 present and past employees to formulate recommendations focused on enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Pinterest. Several of these recommendations include:
- All employees, encompassing managers and executives, will be required to participate in unconscious bias training.
- Supplemental training sessions concentrating on inclusivity and unconscious bias will be made available.
- Interview panels for prospective employees will consistently incorporate diverse team members.
- Employees will be recognized for their contributions to supporting and advancing DEI initiatives.
- A diversity report will be published on a bi-annual basis for a period of two years, transitioning to an annual publication schedule thereafter.
- Clear and defined criteria for promotion consideration will be established.
- Pinterest’s policies regarding harassment and discrimination will be strengthened.
- A dedicated team will be created to manage workplace investigations, ensuring consistent and equitable resolutions.
A complete listing of the recommendations can be found here. Pinterest communicated to TechCrunch its commitment to enacting these changes.
“We deeply value our workforce and recognize our obligation to cultivate a diverse, equitable, and inclusive atmosphere for all Pinterest employees,” stated a Pinterest representative. “Acknowledging the need for swift action, we have implemented measures in recent months to foster a workplace where every individual feels secure, welcome, and empowered, and we are confident in our progress toward a culture of inclusion and support.”
In a message to all Pinterest personnel, CEO Ben Silbermann indicated that a company-wide discussion regarding the recommendations and a question-and-answer session will be scheduled later this week. Silbermann also expressed his optimism that many of the proposals “align with initiatives we are already pursuing to build a culture where all employees feel included and supported.”
Earlier this week, Pinterest reached a settlement in a gender discrimination lawsuit brought by former COO Francoise Brougher, resulting in a $22.5 million payment. This substantial settlement underscored existing inequalities within the technology sector. Brougher initiated her legal action in August, subsequent to the public allegations made by Ozoma and Banks. While Brougher secured a multi-million dollar settlement, Ozoma and Banks received severance packages equivalent to less than one year’s salary.
“Thus, as is unfortunately common in numerous instances, Black women have taken risks, openly shared their experiences, and then observed others benefit from their efforts,” Ozoma previously conveyed to TechCrunch. “Genuine progress has not been achieved here because the rights of those who were harmed have not been addressed.”
