Square Enix Unveils Robust Anti-Harassment Policy to Protect Employees and Partners
Square Enix has proactively introduced a comprehensive anti-harassment policy designed to safeguard its employees and collaborators. This policy clearly defines unacceptable behavior, encompassing threats of violence, defamation, and other forms of harassment. The company asserts its right to deny services and pursue legal action against individuals engaging in such conduct.
The policy's implementation underscores a growing need within the gaming industry to address the concerning rise in online harassment. High-profile incidents, such as death threats against actors and the cancellation of events due to threats of violence, highlight the severity of this issue. Square Enix's decisive action reflects a commitment to creating a safer environment for its workforce.
The policy, detailed on the Square Enix website, extends protection to all employees and partners, from support staff to executive leadership. While encouraging feedback, the company firmly states that harassment is unacceptable and provides specific examples of prohibited behavior.
Key Provisions of the Square Enix Anti-Harassment Policy:
The policy explicitly outlines various forms of harassment, including:
- Threats and Acts of Violence: Physical threats, violent behavior, and intimidation.
- Verbal Abuse: Abusive language, coercion, excessive reprimands, and persistent harassment.
- Defamation and Online Harassment: Defamation, personal attacks (across various online platforms), and doxxing.
- Intrusion and Trespassing: Repeated visits, trespassing on company property, and unauthorized recording.
- Unlawful Restraint: Harassment via phone calls, online inquiries, and other forms of undue pressure.
- Discrimination: Hate speech targeting race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and other protected characteristics.
- Privacy Violations: Unauthorized photography or video recording.
- Sexual Harassment and Stalking: Unwanted sexual advances and persistent stalking behavior.
The policy also addresses undue demands, such as unreasonable product exchanges, excessive apology requests, and excessive service demands.
Consequences of Harassment:
Square Enix reserves the right to deny services to individuals engaging in harassment. In cases involving malicious intent, the company may pursue legal action or involve law enforcement.
This proactive measure by Square Enix reflects a necessary response to the increasing prevalence of online harassment within the gaming community. Past incidents, including death threats against staff and the cancellation of events, underscore the importance of such policies in protecting individuals and fostering a respectful work environment. The policy serves as a strong statement against unacceptable behavior and a commitment to the well-being of Square Enix's employees and partners.
