Strange(r) things are happening at Netflix. Layoffs, protests, and a recently issued company policy statement point to a workplace in chaos. Now Netflix has a real mess on its hands.
Background: Like all streaming platforms, Netflix is constantly mining for provocative content. They have hired writers and talent from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Netflix encourages the free exchange of ideas and working in teams. What could go wrong?
Protest: The comedian Dave Chappelle’s special was the first hint that harmony was on the wane at Netflix. Employees staged a walk out in protest of Chappelle’s show, which contained transphobic content. A list of demands followed, then more protests after another comedian Ricky Gervais made transphobic comments on his special. Then Netflix laid off 150 people, many who claim they were the protesters and part of diversity hiring.
Solution? Netflix gave us a preview of its future response to conflict over content. Before the layoffs, Netflix updated its policy statement and the excerpt below is a big tell:
As employees we support the principle that Netflix offers a diversity of stories, even if we find some titles counter to our own personal values. Depending on your role, you may need to work on titles you perceive to be harmful. If you’d find it hard to support our content breadth, Netflix may not be the best place for you.
Boom! Drop the mic Netflix! Will this approach work? Legally, Netflix is on terra firma here. How this plays within Netflix and its ability to attract talent remains to be seen. Will Netflix could be next on the union organizing front. Stay tuned… .
Questions about this policy or anything employment law? We can help.