Activision Blizzard makes a commitment to diversity

Activision Blizzard Shared a letter from Daniel Alegre, the company’s president and chief operating officer, which shows the diversity data of the entire company and promises to improve in this area and the current salary gap. The press release also warned that the company may not be able to achieve these goals due to “risk and uncertainty,” thereby easing these commitments.

First, this letter reveals some diversification data about the company, which looks mixed. Highlights include that the proportion of women in Activision Blizzard’s workforce is consistent with the 24% reported by other companies, but the individual companies within the Activision Blizzard umbrella are very different. Similarly, 36% of people come from underrepresented groups, which is lower than 40% of other companies.

This letter followed up the data and made new commitments on how to improve representation and close the pay gap. Specifically, these commitments are:

• Hire or appoint additional DE&I leaders at ABK and department level
• Link the annual diversity goals to their respective ABK and department executive leadership performance goals
• Invest in learning and development programs that foster an inclusive culture
• A mentoring and sponsorship program for standing managers and executives aimed at opening up mobility for UEG and women
• Continue to develop our talent and recruitment system, including the launch of ABK Academy

If implemented successfully, all these promises sound like a step in the right direction. But the disclaimer at the bottom of the document warns against expecting these exact results: “In some cases, we may use terms such as “forecast,” “believe,” “potential,” “propose,” and “continue.” “”Estimate”, “anticipate”, “anticipate”, “plan”, “intend”, “may”, “may”, “may”, “will”, “should” or other words that convey the uncertainty of future events Or results to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to many important factors, risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual events or results to be materially different from the company’s current expectations, including but not limited to whether the company can continue to improve its global gender and different representations in the United States in the next few years Number of people. It ends with the assumption that “after the date of this press release, there is no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether due to new information, future events, or other reasons.”

Now, this statement may be because Activision Blizzard’s legal department insists on protecting the company from legal liability when it fails to deliver, and the wording is very careful to protect all its flanks. But for a company in trouble like Activision Blizzard, this is still a terrible appearance and undermines any promises made on its behalf. I hope that the company will earnestly fulfill its commitment to fulfilling its commitment to diversity, but now is the time to start showing some real progress and working to make the company a better place to work.

The entire chaos began with reports of massive sex discrimination and harassment as part of Activision Blizzard’s toxic workplace, and a lawsuit filed by California. Although the company touts the firing of several key figures as part of a house cleanup plan, the recent union vandalism has raised questions about the company’s seriousness in improving its workplace practices.