OpenAI employees received news this week that the company is ending harsh non-disparagement agreements that could potentially impact millions of dollars in vested equity. The memo sent to both current and former employees clarified that OpenAI would no longer enforce a clause that required employees to refrain from criticizing the company after leaving, under the threat of losing valuable equity.
The controversy came to light after former employees revealed the restrictive language in the non-disparagement clause, which had been in place since at least 2019. This news coincided with the resignations of OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and his team co-leader Jan Leike, sparking speculation about the reasons behind their sudden departure. Some questioned whether the strict non-disparagement agreement was silencing former employees from speaking out about their experiences at OpenAI.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman publicly acknowledged the mistake, expressing embarrassment over the situation. He admitted to being unaware of the harsh terms in the exit agreement and apologized for the distress caused to employees. Altman assured that vested equity would not be clawed back if employees openly criticized the company, signaling a significant shift in OpenAI’s policies.
Former employees like Daniel Kokotajlo, who refused to sign the exit agreement to retain the right to voice their opinions, felt vindicated by the company’s decision to revoke the non-disparagement obligations. OpenAI’s spokesperson confirmed that the company had never enforced the agreements and emphasized that the changes were aimed at eliminating any confusion caused by the prior language.
In response to the backlash, OpenAI is making updates to its departure process and removing non-disparagement clauses from its standard paperwork. The company aims to uphold its values and create a more transparent and open environment for employees. OpenAI’s move to release employees from the restrictive agreements has been met with approval from both current and former staff members, signaling a positive step towards fostering a culture of open communication within the organization.
Overall, the decision to end the non-disparagement agreements reflects OpenAI’s commitment to accountability and transparency, addressing concerns raised by employees and the public. The company’s willingness to listen to feedback and make necessary changes demonstrates a dedication to fostering a healthy and supportive work environment for all individuals associated with OpenAI.
