[IP] Microsoft's Ballmer calls for $1bn cuts - printer friendly - silicon.com
http://management.silicon.com/careers/0,39024671,39121997,00.htm
Microsoft's Ballmer calls for $1bn cuts
Jo Best
silicon.com
July 07, 2004
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has told employees in an email that he
wants the company to save $1bn in the coming year – and if that means
getting rid of company drinks machines, that's a step he's prepared to
take.
The memo suggested that the world's biggest software company could save
itself hundreds of millions if it revamped its advertising and
marketing behaviour. Other cuts have already been decided on, like
reducing the discount Microsoft employees get knocked off their
prescription drugs.
The bid to reduce costs has also meant that new employees to Microsoft
will get less annual leave and less time in which they can take their
parental leave. Other, smaller bonuses were removed - the towels
disappeared out of the Microsoft locker rooms, for example.
However, in the initial round of cost-cutting, there were promises the
company wouldn't take the axe to its free drinks policy. In these tough
times, nothing is sacred, it appears.
Ballmer told the Seattle Times: "We're looking to take cost out of the
delivery of soda pop. That may mean going from coolers to soda
dispensers."
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