Get All Access for $5/mo

Marc Benioff Tells Salesforce Employees New Hires Are Less Productive In a Slack message, the Salesforce co-CEO asked for input about reduced productivity.

By Steve Huff

Bloomberg | Getty Images

In a Slack message sent to employees on Friday, co-CEO of Salesforce Marc Benioff declared the company's new hires weren't productive enough and asked what the cause might be.

Benioff asked, "Are we not building tribal knowledge with new employees without an office culture?" in a message first reported by CNBC. Benioff reportedly followed up by attempting to soften the question's intensity with a joking "asking for a friend" smiley angel emoji.

According to CNBC, Benioff emphasized that it was "an issue that he said was affecting employees who joined Salesforce this year and last." It was clear that the productivity problem might be partly related to the nature of widespread remote work, which has become much more common due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement to CNBC, a company spokesperson said that Salesforce has "a hybrid work environment that empowers leaders and teams to work together with purpose. They can decide when and where they come together to collaborate, innovate, and drive customer success."

Salesforce, like many companies, has been contending with a weakening economy, CNBC notes, as well as departures by C-Suite execs such as the imminent departure of Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield.

Benioff's message reportedly prompted numerous responses, many positive. Still, he was unhappy it became public, saying in part that he hoped employees would "agree it is also disappointing that our private conversations here were almost immediately given to the public media."

Steve Huff

Entrepreneur Staff

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Science & Technology

Use This Framework to Successfully Integrate AI Into Your Business Operations

Here's how to ensure both innovation and compliance when using AI in your organization.

Growing a Business

Why Business Owners Should Streamline Their Operations Now for Success in 2025

As the holiday season and year-end approach, business owners face heightened operational demands, from inventory management to spend control. By streamlining these processes and partnering with flexible suppliers, businesses can maintain efficiency, meet customer needs and focus on growth while navigating this busy period.

Leadership

Why Your AI Strategy Will Fail Without the Right Talent in Place

Using fractional AI experts through specialized platforms allows companies to access top talent cost-effectively, drive innovation and scale agile strategies for growth.

Business News

Here's What the CPI Report Means for Your Wallet, According to JPMorgan and EY Experts

Most experts agree that there will be another rate cut next week.

Growing a Business

5 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Business's Online Presence

Boosting your online presence in 2025 is the key to success for businesses looking to grow. Working on your branding and reputation management is important to drive more sales and improve conversion.