Dive Brief:
- On-demand transportation company Uber is seeking to bolster its diversity team following sexism and sexual harassment allegations, reports Inc. Current and former employees claimed the company maintained a work environment that was hostile towards women.
- Vowing to be more inclusive and celebrate diversity, Uber posted new openings for a diversity and inclusion manager, coordinator and business partner on both LinkedIn and the company’s job site, says Inc.
- Uber hired Bernard Coleman III as diversity officer in January, a position that had been vacant since June. The company plans to release a diversity report in the coming months.
Dive Insight:
After Susan Fowler, former Uber software engineer, wrote an inflammatory report on sexism and sexual harassment at the company, more allegations surfaced. Uber is also accused of stealing another company’s trade secrets, using software to circumvent government authorities and having a questionable partnership with a Chinese firm.
All these allegations — plus recent lawsuits by Uber drivers — have marred the company’s reputation. But employers can learn from the on-demand taxi company’s saga of misfortunes. Uber took deliberate action to address the sex discrimination allegations by expanding its diversity team, rather than deny the charges. Employers should immediately investigate charges of violating the law and take measures to prevent or curb future violation.
Issuing a diversity report is a step toward regaining the public’s trust. It’s a test of Uber’s transparency and diversity commitment.
