Report: Netflix Bans Employees from Looking at Each Other for More Than Five Seconds National Review, Jun 14, 2018, Katherine Timpf
Netflix has reportedly banned workers from looking at each other for more than five seconds as part of its new anti-harassment rules.
The new policy also bans the company’s film crews from asking their colleagues for their phone numbers, according to an article in the Sun.
“Senior staff went to a harassment meeting to learn what is and isn’t appropriate,†an on-set runner told the Sun. “Looking at anyone longer than five seconds is considered creepy.â€
“You mustn’t ask for someone’s number unless they have given permission for it to be distributed,†the source continued. “And if you see any unwanted behaviour, report it immediately.â€
Other new rules include: “Don’t give lingering hugs or touch anyone for a lengthy period of time,†“Don’t ask out a colleague more than once if they have said no,†“Steer clear of a colleague once they have said they are not interested in you,†and “Don’t flirt.†The rules also encourage employees to “Shout ‘Stop, don’t do that again!’ if a colleague has been inappropriate.â€
The on-set runner told the Sun that employees are already poking fun at the new rules: “It has sparked jokes, with people looking at each other, counting to five, then diverting their eyes.â€
Netflix hasn’t confirmed or denied the new rules, but did release a statement to the Independent, saying: “We’re proud of the anti-harassment training we offer to our productions. We want every Netflix production to be a safe and respectful working environment. We believe the resources we offer empower people on our sets to speak up, and shouldn’t be trivialized.â€
Read more:
https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/06/netflix-five-second-staring-rule/