Microsoft says it made an accounting error when it laid off some employees last month and now feels the best way to correct the error is with what will likely add up to a public relations blunder.
The software giant, which recently laid off 1,400 employees, sent letters (see image below) this week to some of those former workers letting them know that their severance payouts were a bit too “generous” and respectfully requested that the former employees pay back that money, according to a report Saturday on TechCrunch.
“An inadvertent administrative error occurred that resulted in an overpayment in severance pay by Microsoft,” the letter states. “We ask that you repay the overpayment and sincerely apologize for any inconvenience to you.”
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that the authenticity of a letter posted on TechCrunch, but declined further comment, saying it was “a private matter between the company and the affected people.”
There are veiled threats, of course. How else would you expect Microsoft to deal with their own mistake?
This is a great idea. Where are the letters to the bailed-out bankers telling them to give back their bonuses?
“Your potential. Our Money.”
Good thing they did this during an international economic crisis, otherwise they might be seen as cold and indifferent. Har! Those affected should file suit against Microsoft for the anguish a ‘mistake’ like this could cause.
Returning money you don’t deserve is only correct.
Not flim-flaming the immigration policy of US by hiring foreign workers solely because they are cheaper is only correct.
Stand on the right side.
The running joke on this is; MS used MS money to calculate their severance pay LOL.
As if Microsoft cares about bad publicity.
Did they over-pay by 1% or 1000%?
Sure Microsoft, I know these people will get right on this. Remember, being an asshole is part of your culture – just look at Baldmer.
Now my question is was the overpay a miscalculation on someone’s behalf ( as mentioned ) or did MS pay what they were supposed to pay by whatever contract, and then post this letter asking for it back.
#6 said it best.
#4 bobbo
Not flim-flaming the immigration policy of US by hiring foreign workers solely because they are cheaper is only correct.
We hired an H1B visa worker to do programming for us a few years ago. Turns out he was a pedophile and before he could be apprehended he fled back to India and left his wife and new baby here.
Figures……..
#10–Diesel==funny. Usually its the other way around – – -Americans acting badly in foreign lands that is. Wife is lucky she got dumped here rather than in India. Those folks can still get pretty primitive about womens rights.
I assume there is some rather large cult in India that has raised pedophilia to a religious sect–but maybe only baby goats?
#11, she was probably 12 when he married her.
Wow, Microsoft gives severace packages to people they fire??? Just, Wow.
Also, everyone with ABM fosstard disease should look into disability for high functioning aspergers syndrome. It has a lot of the same symptoms, and I had no idea (until this morning) you could collect for it. It pays like $1100 a month, enough to move you out of your moms basement.
They got overpaid and the company wants the money back, seems pretty standard to me. Just cause microsoft has deep pockets doesn’t mean those workers are entitled to charity. Pay up suckers!
#14, Whalen,
A gift does not have to be returned unless there was fraud involved. I would think that if there is no chance these people will be rehired, they don’t need to repay.
MS is letting them keep the $.
A lot of companies do that.. Company that I got laid off from want some of the money back as well. but I told them to f-off.
#17, GetSmart,
Isn’t that the same as asking for the money back?
😉
I find internet marketing the same as marketing a product in the real world. In real marketing one really has to go through different means to promote a brand and product. Same tasks are applied in internet marketing but this can also be done at the comfort of one’s bedroom.