The Linus Tech Tips abuse allegations are yet another reminder that something absolutely needs to be done about the rampant sexism in the tech industry. If you haven't heard them yet you can read about them here, but be warned, there is some potentially very triggering abuse and self harm detailed: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1691693740254228741.html
Madison's story is not unique - we have heard stories like hers time and time again. As a tech professional it makes me sick to share an industry with these horrible people, and to know that little is being done to reign them in.
So, what can be done about this? I don't have all of the answers, but one thing that comes to mind is that HR departments desperately need actual unbiased oversight, perhaps even from a governing body outside of the company. It has become common knowledge that HR’s primary purpose is to protect the company, and this prevents employees from speaking out and driving internal change even in terrible situations like Madison Reeve and countless others have faced. The way things are run clearly needs to fundamentally change
Let me know in the comments if you have any ideas on how we as a tech community might be able to address these issues, I am truly at a loss. All I want is for tech to be a safe space for everybody to find their passion and success, and it saddens me that we clearly aren't there yet.
You’re out wrong but it’s slightly more nuanced. Hurting people can hurt the company. If the company needs workers, it needs them. If they’re damaged or chased away by bad conditions, that makes it harder for the company to get and keep the people it needs. People’s treatment is also governed by laws. So if they are treated really wrong it can hurt the company in the form of penalties or even worse, bad PR like we see here.
So yeah, HR are not your friends, but it’s silly to lean too hard on the idea that they never help or protect employees. It’s in the company’s interest to do so, and so yes, they will do some of that.