The staff of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” will be getting some new perks, including more paid time off and medical leave, Variety reported Thursday.
Staff members will be given five paid days off and will also receive birthdays off, according to Variety. Paid time will also be given for medical appointments and family matters.
The changes were announced by “Ellen” producers Mary Connelly and Andy Lassner during a virtual staff meeting Monday, at which DeGeneres also gave an emotional apology to show employees following reports of a toxic work environment on set, according to Variety.
In the Monday meeting, it was also revealed that three top producers from the show — Ed Glavin, Kevin Leman and Jonathan Norman — are leaving after an investigation from WarnerMedia into employee allegations of harassment and mistreatment, according to USA Today.
Staff were also told “don’t be afraid” by Connelly and Lassner on Monday, referring to discussion of workplace issues and the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the rumor that staff should not make eye contact with DeGeneres, according to Variety.
The new staff perks, as well as DeGeneres speaking to the employees directly, has improved morale on set, sources told Variety.
“It was important to know what and how much she knew,” one source told Variety. “Because many of us really believe in her.”