Slack’s Investigation Into Executive Highlights Diversity Challenges

Earlier this week, Slack revealed that underrepresented minorities have begun leaving the company at higher rates than in the past, disclosing the trend as part of a broader report about the diversity of its workforce. It’s a particularly sensitive issue for Slack’s CEO, Stewart Butterfield, who has long been a vocal proponent of building a diverse company that includes women and people of color in key leadership roles.

A recent event at Slack demonstrates the challenges the company still faces. The Information has learned that Slack in recent days concluded an investigation into the conduct of one of its vice presidents after more than a half-dozen Slack employees of color lodged complaints with its human resources department accusing the executive, a white man, of preferential treatment toward other white employees, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter. The investigation, which started about a month ago and was conducted by a third-party firm, cleared the executive of the discrimination charges, according to the person.