Dive Brief:
- Uber employees created a website to promote positivity following months of scandal and all-time low morality, Recode reports. Planners of the website, called "Good People + Good Things," expect more fun activities for fellow workers now that a new CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, has taken over the ride-hailing company.
- Former Uber engineer Susan Fowler went public with allegations of sexism and sexual harassment at the company. Her essay calling for an overhaul of Uber's values and more diversity set off an internal investigation into its culture and hiring practices.
- A message on the website reads: "Let’s be real, it’s been a pretty rough nine months (plus). Negativity became the rule, instead of the exception to it. And morale fell to the floor. So, we’re trying to pick it back up. Together, we can lift each other's spirits and make a difference in our everyday."
Dive Insight:
In the span of about a year, Uber has dealt with public allegations of sexism and sexual harassment, a series of drivers' lawsuits, the replacement of the CHRO, the hiring of high-profile troubleshooters like ex-Attorney General Eric Holder, the stepping down of company co-founder Travis Kalanick and other allegations of misconduct. Uber vowed to undergo a cultural overhaul following months of continuous disruptions.
Uber's old culture was described as "bro-oriented" with an unofficial motto that stated all employees must always "be hustlin." It was an aggressive way of operating that was inherently not welcoming to anyone beyond a specific type of employee, and it did little to help create a diverse array of perspectives. But this overhaul, focused more on positivity and central values and driven by employees, not leadership, could lead to some lasting changes if it continues.
Company culture starts from below, and works upwards — though leadership can establish a good example for others to follow. The key to keeping it authentic, however, is by giving employees the power to make the changes they believe need to happen and supporting them when they speak out.
