The tech world reacts to the big changes coming to Uber's culture - here's what people are saying
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In light of the report, Uber's CEO Travis Kalanick is taking a leave of absence and will see his duties greatly reduced as he shares them with a new Chief Operating Officer. Uber has also promised a cultural overhaul including rewriting its 14 values, reducing the amount of alcohol available in its office, and prioritizing diversity and inclusion among its 12,000 employees.
The report was commissioned by Uber after its former employee Susan Fowler wrote a blog post detailing her experiences with harassment and retaliation at the company.
Fowler 's decision to speak up was widely praised, and some took the time on Tuesday to point out that she set off the chain of events that led to Uber implementing widespread changes to its policies and culture.
Some on Twitter pointed out what was notably missing.
A number of the 47 recommendations detailed in the Holder report revolved around fostering a diverse environment and creating a zero-tolerance policy for any harassment.
Performance reviews for manager and senior leaders were recommended in the report, but others noted the many management positions Uber still needed to fill in the wake of its executive exodus.
All eyes will be on the company as it grapples with the report and makes an attempt at recovering its reputation.
While the tech world reacted to the changes coming to Uber, a leaked recording of a sexist comment made by Uber board member David Bonderman - said during the Tuesday all-hands meeting detailing what Uber can do to change its sexist culture - revealed that the company still has a ways to go. Still Uber's promised reforms are a reminder of the power of one person when they "stand up for what's right," as Fowler said.
Remember that this is not about diversity and inclusion, it's about laws being broken. Harassment, discrimination, retaliation are illegal.
- Susan J. Fowler (@susanthesquark) June 6, 2017
Never doubt that one woman's story can spark an investigation that changes Uber leadership; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has
- Ashley Mayer (@ashleymayer) June 12, 2017
Good reading. One thing missing: apologies and recompense for those employees affected by hostile culture, including @susanthesquark. https://t.co/CHRh6pHs9O
- Marc Hedlund (@marcprecipice) June 13, 2017
And, um, don't just "consider" adopting a zero tolerance stance for harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. Do it.
- Joelle Emerson (@joelle_emerson) June 13, 2017
Travis Kalanick will take an indefinite leave of absence. Uber now has no CEO, COO, CFO, or CMO...
- Eden Chen (@edenchen) June 13, 2017
My $0.02: It's lipstick on a pig until the CEO owns it or is replaced. Change comes from the top. Where's the board accountability, too?
- Ellen K. Pao (@ekp) June 13, 2017
You can never go wrong if you stand up for what's right. Truth will always win.
- Susan J. Fowler (@susanthesquark) June 13, 2017
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