Google Screened

Are You in the Healthcare Field?

Find Out How We Can Help »
[et_social_follow icon_style="slide" icon_shape="rectangle" icons_location="top" col_number="1" outer_color="dark"]
Millions Recovered For Our Clients No Fees Unless We Win

Silicon Valley CEO Combats Sexual Harassment

October 4th, 2017

Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers: Silicon Valley CEO Combats Sexual HarassmentSilicon Valley has been battling sexual harassment claims for some time now. Employees from Tesla, Uber, and Binary Capital have all spoken out. Silicon Valley CEOs have responded to the negative press by trying to change company culture. They have tossed around ideas such as implementing an industry code of conduct or an industry-wide HR department.

Although these ideas could be helpful once they gain traction, they are hardly proactive. Kristina Bergman is one of the founders of Integris Software. This startup was created over a year ago and it provides privacy intelligence software to buyers.

The Voting Agreement

Bergman’s plan is to allow board members to oust the board director if sexual harassment becomes an issue at the company. Bergman wants to implement a voting system which gives equal power to board members. Usually, board members are only removed if there is evidence that they are connected to large-scale crimes, such as fraud.

Bergman drafted an agreement that addresses several problems. It allows board members to replace a problematic director instead of vacating board seats and losing members. Board members will also authorize an investigation conducted by an independent counsel.

Once the counsel has proved reasonable probability of sexual harassment, the director will be terminated or asked to resign. This agreement is the first of its kind to call venture capitalists and entrepreneurs to task when it comes to influencing company culture.

Changing Company Culture

Sexual harassment is a pervasive problem. Bergman believes a system that punishes perpetrators from the top down is more effective than focusing on isolated incidents. She believes that company culture influences employee behavior. Employees must adhere to a code of ethics, but the same cannot be said for company directors and board members.

This could be a groundbreaking move for other Silicon Valley startups. The idea is still new and Bergman’s company is the only one to enforce this provision. However, her vigilance against workplace sexual harassment can inspire other companies to be proactive as well.

It is important to remember that no executive, board member, or director is above the law. Sexual harassment is illegal and company executives can be charged and removed for inappropriate behavior. Executives may use their position to intimidate others and co-workers with knowledge of their inappropriate behavior may stay silent for fear of retaliation. This creates a company culture of fear in addition to inappropriate behavior.

Philadelphia Sexual Harassment Lawyers at The Gold Law Firm P.C. Advocate for Those Affected by Sexual Harassment

If you notice inappropriate behavior, you do not have to suffer. There are resources to help you address workplace sexual harassment. Our sexual harassment lawyers in Philadelphia will assist you with identifying behaviors and pursuing a claim against the company. The Gold Law Firm P.C. is a law firm dedicated to helping victims of sexual harassment within the workplace. Call us at 215-569-1999 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.

EMPLOYMENT LAW PRACTICE AREAS
View All Practices
Happening List Winner
2019 American Trail Lawyers badge
Lead Counsel Rated
life time achievement
million dollar advocates badge
AV Peer Review Rated
Philly Happening
Top one badge
Silver Client Champion Award 2020
super lawyers badge

As Seen On

avvo lawyers.com Martindale Justia FindLaw
© 2024 Sidney L. Gold and Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. [ Site Map | Privacy Policy ]

Attorney Advertising Materials. Sidney L. Gold is responsible for the content of this website. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.

Website Accessibility: Sidney L. Gold & Associates P.C. is committed to ensuring digital accessibility for people with disabilities. We are continually working to improve the accessibility of all content on our website and applying the relevant accessibility standards.

* The awards and accolades displayed on this website were issued to the attorneys, or the entire law firm by the respective providers of these honors. They are as follows, Avvo Inc., Super Lawyers®, Martindale Hubbell Peer Review Rated, ASLA Top 100 Lawyers, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, Legal Leaders Top Rated Lawyers, Bar Register Preeminent Lawyer, Happening List Winner, BBB Accredited Business, National Association of Distinguished Counsel Top 1 Percent, America's Top 100 Attorneys, The Employee Rights Advocacy Institute for law and policy, Best Lawyers, Lead Counsel Rated, Top Employment Lawyers in Philadelphia, Association of American Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Martindale Hubbell Client Champion Silver. No aspect of these advertisements have been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey.