37 Activision Blizzard workers have reportedly “exited” the corporate since July of final yr as a part of the corporate’s try to crack down on points surrounding sexual harassment, in keeping with inner paperwork obtained by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Activision Blizzard spokesperson Helaine Klasky additionally instructed the WSJ that 44 people have been disciplined in reference to office misconduct allegations.
These numbers seemingly embrace the greater than 20 staff that exited the corporate in October, together with round 20 staff who the corporate reprimanded on the time. The WSJ additionally notes that Activision Blizzard collected round 700 worker complaints describing considerations about office misconduct. Activision Blizzard was reportedly set to launch a report summarizing the outcomes of its ongoing investigation in the direction of the top of final yr, however WSJ studies that CEO Bobby Kotick refused, saying it might amplify the corporate’s points and make them appear worse than they’re.
Activision Blizzard didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
Last July, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) sued Activision Blizzard for selling a tradition of “constant sexual harassment.” Since then, quite a few workers have come ahead with their very own experiences with sexual misconduct on the firm, alleging that administration was conscious of and doubtlessly inspired the habits. The firm reached an $18 million settlement with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in September, however the DFEH has lately appealed the decide’s determination that forestalls it from intervening.
Kotick has additionally been personally accused of abusive habits in November, and regardless of this, the corporate’s board nonetheless expressed confidence in his management. Shortly after, over 1,500 workers signed a petition to take away Kotick as CEO, who solely stated he would think about stepping down if the corporate’s poisonous work tradition couldn’t be fastened “with speed.”
Disclosure: Casey Wasserman is on the board of administrators for Activision Blizzard in addition to the board of administrators of Vox Media, The Verge’s mum or dad firm.
