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Faced with reports of harassment, Ubisoft promises "profound changes"

2020-07-03T12:28:40.783Z


Its CEO Yves Guillemot announces a series of measures to fight against toxic culture in his studios and revise the HR processes, which have been heavily criticized.


Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot spoke on Thursday evening to promise "structural change"within this heavyweight of the video game industry. This speech, which took the form of an email sent to all of its 18,000 employees worldwide and that Le Figaro was able to consult, comes as the French giant is under fire from critics for its bad management of cases of harassment, assault, violence or sexual misconduct reported to its human resources management services. Ubisoft employees have been testifying on social media for over a week now, anonymously or not. Detailed investigations were published Wednesday July 1 on the American site Gamasutra, then in Liberation. The daily focused on the powerful editorial department, based in Montreuil,"Dominated by untouchable men who would be protected by an 'HR wall'," he writes.

READ ALSO : Ubisoft opens internal investigations after accusations of violence and sexual harassment in its studios

In his email, Yves Guillemot announces that he has decided to "review the composition of the editorial department" , which oversees all of the publisher's productions. Two of its members, whose names have been insisted on in investigations and testimony, are said to be under layoff, according to Bloomberg. “In response to recent allegations, we have launched a series of investigations by independent external consultants. I know many of you are anxious to see the results. However, we must take the time necessary to ensure that they are carried out with the required rigor. When they are completed, all appropriate measures will be taken, ” says Yves Guillemot.

HR procedures audit

The CEO of Ubisoft has also announced a series of initiatives, "concrete actions are only the beginning of profound changes at all levels of the company," he promises. Two new positions are created: a Diversity and Inclusion manager, who has not yet been chosen, and a Head of Workplace Culture, a position that comes to Lidwine Sauer. These two people will be under the direct supervision of Yves Guillemot.

Ubisoft employees are also invited to report, through several means, the problems they encounter or have encountered. A confidential alert platform, administered by a third party, has been put online. An anonymous questionnaire will be sent within two weeks to all employees. Listening groups will also be set up in the studios.

Finally, a consulting company will conduct an audit of the company's highly criticized HR procedures and policies. The majority of victims who testified stated that they had contacted HR to report the behavior of their colleagues or superiors. But these alerts would have given nothing when they concern the creative stars of the company, named by it “talents” . “Human resources work under constraint, with the objective of retaining talent. They absolutely must not leave, ” explains a victim to Liberation. “So when cases of sexual or moral harassment arise, there is omerta. We sacrifice the little ones. We protect the big posts, even if it means moving the most toxic cases. ”

"I would like to say to those who spoke or who supported colleagues: you are heard and you help drive the necessary changes within the company," writes Yves Guillemot. Internally, employees regret, however, that these cases had to be made public before measures were finally taken.

Source: lefigaro

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