As per reports, Microsoft (MSFT) shareholders have urged the software maker to reassess its approach to sexual harassment in a vote at the company’s annual meeting, following reports that co-founder Bill Gates behaved inappropriately toward female employees years ago. The proposal, introduced by activist investor Arjuna Capital, was opposed by Microsoft. A separate measure asking the company to disclose median pay gaps across race and gender didn’t pass.
Investors passed a nonbinding resolution, at the annual meeting seeking a report on the effectiveness of sexual-harassment policies. In response to the vote, Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith informed that the company will take new steps to provide more information about sexual-harassment investigations to shareholders. In the most recent fiscal year, ended June 30, Microsoft had 51 complaints and 47% were substantiated. The numbers are smaller than the year earlier, probably because people were working from home, informed Smith. He further informed that the company will bring in a third party to do an independent assessment of how well it investigates these kinds of claims.
Redmond, Washington-based American multinational technology company Microsoft (MSFT) develops, manufactures, licenses, supports and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. To learn more about Microsoft (MSFT) and to track their progress please visit the Vista Partners Coverage Page.
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