In a rare win for activist shareholders, Microsoft Inc has agreed to better reporting on sexual harassment data.
They passed a resolution to make such allegations more transparent through independent investigation and public reporting.
According to a government filing by the company, the proposal received 77.97 percent for it.
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It issued a statement stating, “Although Microsoft has conducted previous internal investigations into allegations of sexual harassment and gender-based discrimination, it has failed to transparently report independent investigations to employees and investors.”
“To avoid legal and reputational risk and maintain shareholder value, Microsoft must create a culture of accountability and transparency and protect employees from harassment and discrimination.”
It comes after reports emerge that the company’s co-founder Bill Gates attempted a relationship with an employee in 2000.
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Arjuna Capital had requested a report from the software company on the effectiveness of its policies to combat sexual harassment in the workplace.
He is a Boston-based investment advisor who frequently files shareholder resolutions urging companies to change, such as disclosing more data on pay equity.
Microsoft is already sharing annual internal data on the level of sexual harassment concerns raised and the results of the related investigations. It has now accepted plans to publish this data.
The vote comes as large mutual fund companies increasingly support investor environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges, and employees of large tech companies go on strike to protest their fight against sexual harassment allegations.
A similar proposal was tabled at automaker Tesla Inc. last year that support for a shareholder resolution on how to use arbitration to resolve complaints about harassment and discrimination in the workplace would increase to 46 percent of the vote at its annual meeting of April 27 Percent has risen.
(With contributions from agencies)
