HPE's Whitman Calls Harassment Cases Workplace `Tipping Point'

(Bloomberg) -- Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. Chief Executive Officer Meg Whitman said the recent sexual misconduct revelations could indicate a "tipping point" in workplace culture.

The disclosures about inappropriate behavior may result in fundamental changes toward more egalitarian and safe environments in workplaces, Whitman said in an interview on Bloomberg TV with Emily Chang. Whitman, who is leaving her post in February, said women are now more free to speak up than ever before.

Over the last month and a half, a string of powerful men in media, entertainment, politics and technology have faced charges of sexual harassment and assault, resulting in many being removed from their positions. These claims have laid bare systemic problems that fail to protect women (and men) from men who wield a lot of influence.

“Every once in a while something big happens that changes the culture, and I’m hopeful that this is it,” said Whitman, who is one of the most high-profile female CEOs. “Everyone has recommitted to that given what’s happened in the last couple of months.”

To contact the reporters on this story: Jing Cao in New York at hcao38@bloomberg.net, Emily Chang in San Francisco at echang68@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editors responsible for this story: Jillian Ward at jward56@bloomberg.net, Molly Schuetz

©2017 Bloomberg L.P.