The streaming giant and the go to name when we think of OTT, Netflix has updated it’s cultural guidelines. This has happened for the first time in 7 years.
As per the updated guidelines the company has asked employees to be prepared for working on content they may not agree with. The company also added that anyone who does not support the kind of content offered on the platform could quit.
A new section called “artistic expression” has been added, detailing the company’s plans to offer an array of programming for its audiences. “We let viewers decide what’s appropriate for them, versus having Netflix censor specific artists or voices,” the updated culture memo stated.
According to the memo, Netflix also noted it’s desire to offer diversity in 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,” the company stated. “If you’d find it hard to support our content breadth, Netflix may not be the best place for you,” the company further added.
A Netflix spokesperson provided a background that the company had spent the last 18 months discussing cultural issues internally with the employees. The spokesperson also said that the idea is based upon allowing “prospective employees (could) understand our position, and make better informed decisions about whether Netflix is the right company for them.” The company spokesperson further elaborated that employees were given a chance to offer feedback and review on the new guidelines. The company is said to have received more than a 1,000 comments, which in turn helped shape the new part of the memo.
The company is currently working on bringing multiple new features to improve the overall user experience. A latest reports suggests that Netflix is looking to introduce live streaming on the platform. This feature will initially be available for stand-up specials, live comedy shows, and unscripted shows. As per the report, the live streaming feature is currently in the testing period.
The company is also working on a feature to curb password-sharing amid tremendous pressure to increase revenue. Netflix has also said that it is working on introducing a cheaper and ad-supported option with the aim of getting more users on board.
Therefore this allows employees the freedom to choose and make an informed decision about whether to stay at the company or move ahead on to a different one. This also represents the company’s mission of bringing in new forms of content, reaching to a larger audience base and ultimately increasing it’s revenue.
