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Restructuring Announcement

automattic.com

21–30 of 249 posts

Re: Restructuring Announcement

#23
post #17
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

a lot of companies ask for equipment to be returned due to security concerns, or just on principle

klarna allowed us to buy our work phone and macbook paying only the tax value. We had to give them the devices so they would be wiped out by a third party, then they mailed them to my home.

This is a G move, without a doubt the best way I've heard of this being done.

Re: Restructuring Announcement

#24
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Eh, from the company's perspective this is logistically easiest--the laptop's value is hardly worth the effort.

a lot of companies ask for equipment to be returned due to security concerns, or just on principle

When I left microsoft, I kept everything EXCEPT data bearing devices. I got the sense they REALLY didn't want to have to collect the laptops either, but the VPs were forced to by compliance.

Re: Restructuring Announcement

#25

Mentioning "our revenue continues to grow" seems quite out of place in an announcement like this.

I disagree - it's not properly addressed, but it's nice to see it at least brought up.

Layoffs are always awful, but seeing companies talk about "changing economic realities" amongst continuing revenue and profit growth - often all time highs - is a real morale killer for those who are left behind.

Microsoft/Amazon/Alphabet/Google are trillion dollar megacorps who are insanely profitable, but they're firing people because they no longer have to pretend we care about you at all and will instead try to cater to Wall Street (who will never be happy - if I had $10000 for every quarter where a big tech corp "beat expectations" and the stock dropped anyway I'd retire). It's a hard pill to swallow and will increase bitterness and cynicism in the remaining workforce and kill any chance of your employees caring about your vision or putting in any extra effort.

Re: Restructuring Announcement

#27
post #20
post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Matt Mullenweg is the elephant.

Since Matt regularly comments here, and given the expression chosen; I'm pretty certain that they know who the elephant is.

Matt commenting here was part of the reason he is in the mess he is in.

Re: Restructuring Announcement

#28
post #15

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Eh, from the company's perspective this is logistically easiest--the laptop's value is hardly worth the effort.

a lot of companies ask for equipment to be returned due to security concerns, or just on principle

A company which is even moderately "OK" at IT will already have the means to instantly lock and securely wipe devices of any employee at a moments notice. Doing this during a RIF is a hell of a lot better than making the mail room deal with a bunch of filthy laptops.

Re: Restructuring Announcement

#29

> This restructuring will result in an approximately 16% workforce reduction Probably the most salient detail for non-Automattic employees. Everything else was generic fluff.

Plus severance will be paid but didn't say how much.

I was thinking this is a boilerplate firing email though!

Re: Restructuring Announcement

#30

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Eh, from the company's perspective this is logistically easiest--the laptop's value is hardly worth the effort.

We always let our ex-employees keep their laptops because a. why not? and b. I don't need laptops for positions that no longer exist.

“Welcome to your new job at HighSpeed TopFlight. Here’s an old, used laptop.”
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