Watching people lose their jobs, and even having to be the one determining terminations, is never fun. Read, without commentary, the following message we have received from someone who says this is what a Disney executive sent to an entire department.
I know today’s note from Bob Iger was tough to read. Unfortunately, the reality of today’s business environment has affected all segments of Disney and required departments to make some incredibly difficult cost cutting measures, which includes a reduction in labor.
These decisions do not come lightly – careful and thoughtful considerations are made purely based on economic and efficiency factors. But we are all human with deep emotions, so when we learn that our colleagues are being impacted, it takes a personal toll on us. It affects every person directly or indirectly involved. I’m sure your emotions are heightened with fear, anxiety, and unrest. You are not alone.
This team has endured some of the best and worst of times, but we always managed to conquer, reset, and move forward. I remain optimistic for our business’ success but please know that our work will be impacted, as well as some of our colleagues, as we continue to navigate our priorities ahead. I can assure you that it doesn’t mean that our workload will increase with a reduced staff – I know many of you are already tapped out! We will reprioritize many of our work streams to make sure there is an effective work-life balance. We will charge on!
As you read in Bob’s email, the job impact notifications began today and will continue this week until Thursday. Further notifications will go out in later April which will affect a larger group of employees. From there, a final assessment will be done just before summer.
I will not share news of those impacted – I would strongly prefer to allow those individuals to share on their own accord. I appreciate your professionalism during this time. It’s tough to have positive morale and put in the work effort with so much disruption, change, and the unknown. I hear you. How can I help you? Your leaders and I are here, at any time, to be available to you and your colleagues to discuss whatever might be on your mind. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
I truly adore each of you because you’re the best in the business and overall great people to work with, laugh, and do great things. Let’s continue to have compassion for each other and our partners. We will get through this together. Now more than ever, let’s stay the course, collaborate, and remain a strong team.
Call, text, email, meet – any time.
Important Notice: This message has been conveyed to us by a trusted source as authentic. We are not, however, in possession of any email or originating document from The Walt Disney Company, nor have we seen such work product.
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