Microsoft's Ballmer calls for $1bn cuts - printer friendly - silicon.com

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

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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