Google overhauls its harassment policies

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced changes Thursday to how the company handles reports of sexual harassment, a week after employees staged a global walkout.

“We recognize that we have not always gotten everything right in the past and we are sincerely sorry for that,” Pichai wrote in an email to employees. “It’s clear we need to make some changes.”

Among the changes are making arbitration optional in cases where sexual harassment or assault is claimed, and giving more detail about sexual misconduct cases in internal reports available to all employees.

Employees will now take mandatory sexual harassment training annually; before it was required every two years. Employees who do not complete the training, including top leadership, will be marked down on their performance reviews.

Additionally, Google will provide more support services for those who report incidents, including extended counseling.

Google faced an employee backlash after the New York Times revealed allegations of sexual misconduct against Andy Rubin, the creator of the Android software. The Times said Rubin received a $90 million severance package in 2014

after Google determined that the allegations were credible. Rubin has denied any misconduct and disputed the figure cited for his severance.

Google employees walked out of offices worldwide on Nov. 1 to protest how the company handles sexual harassment claims and pay equity for women. Women make up about 31 percent of Google’s employees, but there are far fewer in leadership roles.

Google did not address pay inequity or the workers’ request to appoint an employee representative to the board.

Arbitration is a common practice at technology companies. Google’s employment contracts require employees to resolve any grievances with the company through private arbitration

The practice has been scrutinized recently because proceedings are typically confidential, preventing employees who report sexual harassment from speaking out.

Microsoft and Uber recently ended arbitration for harassment and assault cases. Chronicle news services contributed to this report.