Almost a month has passed since allegations of sexual abuse and misconduct were filed against many, many members of the gaming industry, several of which involved actions by staff at Assassin’s Creed manufacturer Ubisoft.
The company, in the weeks following those allegations, saw the departure of some of the employees named as abusers, either because of layoffs or resignations. Now Ubisoft says it is still working on a series of internal changes to address other allegations, as well as the claim that the company’s structure allows and protects abusers.
Those changes are included in Ubisoft’s latest quarterly report and includes a “plan of action” that includes steps such as working with outside consultants to investigate complaints, review systems like HR and the editorial department, and create new positions for heads of culture and Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace.
“I am determined to make profound changes to improve and strengthen our corporate culture. We have already acted quickly and firmly, announcing and introducing large-scale initiatives aimed at transforming our organization, ”reads a statement from Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot. “Our primary goal is to ensure that all Ubisoft employees have a safe and inclusive work environment. As a leader in our industry, we must be uncompromising to create an exemplary culture where everyone feels respected and valued. This is vital to ensuring that all of the talented people who make up Ubisoft feel satisfied in their jobs. “
That plan, as written in Ubisoft’s first quarter results, is as follows:
one) A series of investigations led by independent external consultants on the complaints are being carried out with all the necessary rigor. In addition, a confidential third-party alert and eavesdropping platform has been implemented to allow employees, as well as outsiders, to report anonymously any harassment, discrimination or other inappropriate behavior. Based on the results of these investigations, all appropriate measures are being and will be taken. The outside company will issue periodic reports to the Ubisoft Board of Directors. To date, several people, including senior managers, have left the Group or resigned from their positions within the Company, some of whom were dismissed or resigned and others who were suspended. A support and recovery unit has also been established, which will be overseen by an organization specializing in assisting victims of bullying.
two) A review of the composition and reorganization of the editorial department was conducted under the leadership of Yves Guillemot, with a review of the way teams work together.
3) The Group has embarked on a transformation of its RR processes. H H. To better prevent, detect and punish inappropriate behavior. To do this, it has selected a leading consulting firm to conduct an external audit. It has also been decided that part of the bonuses for team leaders will be linked to their ability to create a positive and inclusive work environment. And finally, the Group intends to launch an awareness campaign on bullying among all its employees that will take the form of training modules.
4) Ubisoft has launched a group-wide questionnaire to obtain their comments completely anonymously, and has established conversation and listening sessions for employees at all of its sites to address their suggestions and concerns and identify areas for improvement.
5) A Head of Culture has been appointed in the Workplace and a new Head of Diversity and Inclusion has been created, open to internal and external candidates. Both roles will report directly to Yves Guillemot.
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