It's an extraordinary sacrifice to be asked of 900 people. Yes, he was supposed to do more than just tell a bullshit sob story how "last time he had to do that he cried." Fuck him.
If you have hired 900 people that have become "useless", it is your duty as CEO to treat each firing with respect and understand that it might cause a ton of stress for some. What the fuck are you even paid for if you can't even do that job, after overestimating the amount of people required by that ungodly amount in the first place?
I am astounded by how many people in this thread lack any basic semblance of empathy.
Send a direct deposited and generous severance on Friday.
Monday, have in person meetings with these departments, with the financial reassurance that the parachute is firmly installed on their back to have the next 6 months to comfortably find new accommodations.
The last step is optional, but in the past I've seen these CEO's have previously arranged a soft landing place in other businesses for the people they have to let go. Just because their position at this business went up in smoke doesn't mean their skills went with it. Lining up at least an interview with a competitor would have been classy.
In what world can a company that has to lay off 900 people also afford to pay them for the next 6 months?
It’s a terrible situation for the employees (and better US employment laws would certainly help) but none of your suggestions are even borderline realistic.
If you have hired 900 people that have become "useless", it is your duty as CEO to treat each firing with respect and understand that it might cause a ton of stress for some. What the fuck are you even paid for if you can't even do that job, after overestimating the amount of people required by that ungodly amount in the first place?
I am astounded by how many people in this thread lack any basic semblance of empathy.