Paradox publish report on workplace discrimination and HR failures

rockpapershotgun.com:

Paradox Interactive have released a report into the company's culture which outlines issues of "discrimination, bullying and victimization" at the Swedish developer. The report, commissioned by Paradox and conducted by Gender Balance, an external firm recommended by Paradox's employee union, outlines several proposals for how Paradox can create a better working environment for staff. Paradox say they intend to implement all of them.

Much of the report deals with "grey zone abusive behaviour, which may defy clear legal definitions but nevertheless impacts the victim". This behaviour can include "using harsh and demeaning language, ridicule, recurring mean-spirited criticism, unfairly questioning competence, interrupting or speaking over someone in meetings, and blaming and shaming."

All genders reported experiencing these behaviours, but the incidences were substantially higher for women. Women also reported experiencing more overt behaviour, including "comments about their appearance, having their competency questioned in a way that does not happen for male colleagues, or seeing the recurring use of gendered and negative stereotypes." 21% of women within the company said they had reported an incident to HR, a manager, or both.

Many women said that they did not report incidences of abuse because they didn't believe the issue would be taken seriously or because they were worried about retaliation. Of men and women who reported issues to HR, 50% said they were unsatisfied with the response.

"Many we have talked to express a low confidence in HR, most commonly citing other’s experiences but sometimes also based on their own," says the report. "Confidence in managers are very mixed, many expressing that they trust and