Media Company Staff Learns of Job Cuts via Email Mistake

The emailed documents obtained by AdAge.com included talking points for informing staff of the company’s restructuring and an undetermined number of layoffs. The memo said: “Based on the continued reduction in our client’s’ spend and a restructuring of the core functions (insert group here), we had to evaluate a number of factors and tooktake [sic] a hard look at our future and currentcurrent [sic] and future business needs (capacity), performance, and the evolving skill sets needed for our clients and their businesses. As a result, we no longer have a role for you.”

The memo also included talking points for unaffected staff to keep them encouraged and a question and answer section for dealing with client concerns.

In an interview, Carat President Scott Sorokin told AdAge.com the forthcoming moves are in the best interest of the clients and are a response to “client needs.” Neither he nor a spokeswoman would comment on whether any disciplinary action would be taken as a result of the e-mail mistake made by Chief People Officer Rose Zory.

In 2006, employees at RadioShack Corp.’s Fort Worth headquarters received notification of layoffs via email, but that was the company’s intent (See RadioShack Issues Emailed Layoff Notices).