Havas Group initiates mandatory harassment training in light of wider #MeToo revelations
Havas Group has rolled out ethical and harassment training to its global workforce in order to learn from the sexual harassment and impropriety shaking up Hollywood and the wider creative industries.
Havas issues mandatory harassment training
Harvey Weinstein and Kevin Spacey are the most prominent figures to be named in separate cases. Amid this climate, the agency is investing in educational lessons to inoculate itself from future issues.
While the #MeToo hashtag brought the issue into the public discourse, the creative industries appear to be preparing themselves for similar ripples. IPG's chief executive and chairman Michael Roth recently said that the holding company will soon be launching a mandatory online anti-harassment course in the US.
A statement from Havas Group chief executive Yannick Bolloré read: “In recent weeks, we’ve all seen several widely publicized sexual harassment charges involving notable companies and individuals. These events have prompted a renewed discussion on this extremely important topic. I want to reiterate that we at Havas Group simply do not tolerate harassment—in any form. Havas has a culture that is built on ethical conduct and respect for each other.”
Two mandatory global online schemes were announced to cover both harassment and business ethics. Bolloré made the point of stating that both physical and verbal abuse is unacceptable at the agency. He said he hopes the courses will “reinforce the behaviors expected of Havas employees”.
He added: “Respect is at the core of our values at Havas. I am counting on each of you to behave in a manner that supports these guiding principles. It’s important to have a cohesive work environment that maintains the reputation of our business with clients, partners, and vendors—and provides a supportive environment for you.”
The creative industries have had their own share of troubles in this space. Cindy Gallop is one of the voices calling for individuals to root out wrongdoing, with a new campaign.
The full statement is here:
Havas’ culture is built on respect of each other
In recent weeks, we’ve all seen several widely publicized sexual harassment charges involving notable companies and individuals. These events have prompted a renewed discussion on this extremely important topic. I want to reiterate that we at Havas Group simply do not tolerate harassment—in any form. Havas has a culture that is built on ethical conduct and respect for each other.
As such, we will be launching two new mandatory global online trainings for all employees that cover not only harassment but also business ethics. Harassment can take on many forms, both physical and verbal. Neither is acceptable. These courses will reinforce the behaviors expected of Havas employees. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
Respect is at the core of our values at Havas. I am counting on each of you to behave in a manner that supports these guiding principles. It’s important to have a cohesive work environment that maintains the reputation of our business with clients, partners, and vendors—and provides a supportive environment for you.
If you have concerns or questions about appropriate conduct, I encourage you to reach out to management, HR or legal so that they can help you.
Thank you for behaving in a way that makes us all proud to be part of the Havas family.
Sincerely,
Yannick