The millionaire boss, who decided to keep her own bonus while canceling those of her staff, boldly told them to ‘leave pity city’ in response to their complaints.
Andi Owen, CEO of MillerKnoll, is under fire after a video surfaced of her telling employees to “leave Pity City” during a company meeting.
This backlash is especially notable given Owen’s history of receiving multi-million-dollar bonuses while canceling bonuses for her staff.
CEO faces backlash after telling staff to ‘leave pity city’.
The video, which was taken during a digital town hall meeting, shows Owen addressing employees concerned about their canceled bonuses.
The meeting, held last month, had employees asking how they could stay motivated without bonuses.
Owen initially spoke calmly, emphasizing the need to focus on what employees can control, such as customer service and teamwork.
However her tone shifted when she told staff: “Don’t ask about what we’re going to do if you don’t get a bonus.”
She then urged employees to focus on earning the company’s $26 million target instead.
Boss told staff to ‘leave pity city,’ sparking controversy.
Owen’s most controversial statement came when she said:
“I had an old boss who said to me, ‘You can visit Pity City, but you can’t live there”.
“So people: Leave Pity City. Let’s get it done.”
The remark was met with criticism online, especially given Owen’s previous bonus payouts
Owen sparked backlash and gave an apology after the incident.
The clip quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism of Owen’s words. Many questioned the disconnect between her motivational speech and her own financial rewards.
While, Owen’s statement was criticized for seeming tone-deaf, considering the financial struggles some employees might face without their bonuses.
In response, a company spokesperson claimed the video was “taken out of context” and that the full meeting was mostly positive.
One person said: See the problem is; if i give you more money; that leaves less money for me. That’s what she was really saying. Lol
A second wrote: CEO’s should never get a bonus if the employees can’t get one. If the company is not doing well then the CEO’s bonus should be divided up among the employees who actually do all the work for them to get that bonus.
While a third commented: Does she not understand what “lead by example” means.
Another added: Why did she get the bonus? Does she get the bonus because her employees did their job or did she get the bonus because the employees did extra? Or was it in her contract she negotiated?
Previously, Owen’s bonus history left viewers stunned
Despite canceling bonuses for her staff, Owen has previously received significant bonuses herself:
– In 2021, she earned a bonus of $1.12 million.
– In 2022, her bonus increased to $1.29 million, and her total earnings reached $5 million.
This contrast has intensified the backlash against her.
The controversy surrounding Andi Owen’s comments highlights the tension between leadership and employee morale.
What do you think about this incident?