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As the U.S. moves from the first phase of the coronavirus pandemic — lockdowns and layoffs — to the second phase — reopening the economy — Salesforce.com Inc. Chief Executive Marc Benioff says it’s vital that the government provide incentives for companies to hire back workers who have lost their jobs.
“ “I hope that the government in the second phase gives companies incentives to rehire aggressively. I think that will be extremely important to make sure the second phase is successful.” ”
Speaking Monday to Bloomberg TV, Benioff said he was pleasantly surprised by how many other companies followed Salesforce’s pledge to not lay off any employees for at least 90 days after coronavirus restrictions took hold, effectively shutting down the economy.
“It’s not easy for a lot of companies to do,” Benioff said. “It’s amazing.”
He did not commit to extending his no-layoff pledge, though, as it’s becoming apparent that the economic slowdown will likely last longer than first thought.
Here’s the interview:
The pandemic has already cost more than 30 million Americans their jobs, at least temporarily. The government’s upcoming April unemployment report is expected to show the unemployment rate at anywhere between 12% and 22%.
Salesforce CRM, +3.26% on Monday unveiled a new software product called Work.com, which is intended to help companies reopen by offering tools to stagger shifts, manage employee health and handle contact tracing.
When Salesforce employees finally return to their offices, they will notice changes. Benioff said all workers will get temperature checks before being let inside, and everyone must wear face masks and practice social distancing. Workers may even have to schedule elevator times, to avoid overcrowding.
Last week, the business-software giant said it was canceling all major in-person events, including its massive Dreamforce conference in San Francisco, through the end of the year. It will instead hold virtual conference online.
When asked Monday by Bloomberg’s Emily Chang how long he expects this economic contraction to last, Benioff said: “This is my first pandemic. I don’t really know what I’m doing. I’m trying to figure this out as I go.”
