Excellence in technology: How AllVoices is helping employees speak up

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In 2015, Claire Schmidt read about a sexual assault allegation at Uber — and how the employee who bravely stepped forward ultimately exited the company due to HR's inaction. 

The troubling account inspired Schmidt to create AllVoices, a platform that began in 2017 as an anonymous reporting tool where employees could submit questions, concerns and feedback to their employers. Today, AllVoices has evolved to include case management as well as tools to support fair and timely investigations of workplace conduct, aiming to create safer, more equitable workspaces. 

Schmidt shared some of her biggest wins (and big plans ahead) for the future of the company — as well as where she turns when the work gets tough. 

How is AllVoices making it easier and safer for employees to report harassment in the workplace? 
A lot of HR tools were developed to make an HR leader's life easier — and that's important — but these tools don't put people in the employees' shoes. What are their experiences, and how can we address them proactively? Our goal is threefold — we can help companies retain employees, help them reduce risk by addressing harassment, and help with reputation management. 

Read more: Announcing 2022's Excellence in Benefits Award winners

This is a rapidly progressing field with a lot of room to grow. Where do find your motivation?
I really believe that listening is so important, and that being curious is important, no matter what stage you're at with your company. When I first started the company, I spent six months listening and trying to understand what tools were already out there? What was keeping people from speaking up at work about issues? Why is there this big gap between employees and their leadership? Listening is what has carried this company forward.

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