05-24-2022
As was widely reported in 2021, some Netflix employees vocally objected to content put out by comedian Dave Chappelle. These employees staged a walkout, asserting Chappelle's program was transphobic. The company’s CEO defended the decision at the time. In what seems to be a response to that situation, Netflix has modified the corporate culture memorandum posted on its website. It is the first update in nearly five years.
In a new “Artistic Expression” section, the streamer states it will not “censor specific artists or voices,” even if employees find the content “harmful.” Employees may have to work on content with which they disagree. It further states, “If you’d find it hard to support our content breadth, Netflix may not be the best place for you.” Netflix says it provides content for a diverse audience with a broad spectrum of tastes, and it leaves it up to the viewer to decide what is appropriate. Ratings and content warnings alert the audience to important aspects of different programming. Other updated language from Netflix directs employees to “spend member’s money wisely.”
Shortly after posting these and other updates, Netflix laid off 150 employees and some contractors, as the company is experiencing a decline in subscribers for the first time in over a decade. The layoffs equal about 2% of the streamer’s total U.S. workforce. The company said these layoffs were due to business needs and not individual performance. The company is exploring other ways to bring in more revenue.