14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is currently going through a major restructuring process, while also looking for a new CEO and working on completing the Nokia takeover.
With so many undergoing changes, employees have expressed their worries regarding their jobs and the company’s future, insiders told Reuters in short statements.
Ballmer’s retirement is one of the causes why some Softies are now unsettled, with some employees believing that Microsoft isn’t heading in the right direction.
"Like Wall Street, there was initial euphoria with the announcement for employees," one employee was quoted as saying by the same source.
"But he is as much a symptom as the actual problem. This whole crazy re-org will still happen. And nothing will really change." he continued. "Among many of my fellow employees - both new hires and long-timers - there is a recognition that Microsoft has lost its way."
While Ballmer has clearly stated that no one would be fired as part of the transition towards devices and services, workers are concerned that some might get fired, especially following the integration of Nokia’s mobile unit into the Redmond-based giant.
"The re-org is more unsettling for some people than Ballmer's departure. Exactly how that shakes out is more interesting," another employee revealed.
"There is always a small percentage of people who do lose their job, or get put into an awkward new role. For those people, morale is very bad, of course. But whoever you talk to, they all noticed that the stock went up on the Ballmer (retirement) news. If sustained, that will make morale improve broadly."
CEO Steve Ballmer will retire within the next 12 months, as soon as a successor is found. The company is currently considering both internal and external candidates, but sources familiar with the matter revealed that Stephen Elop, former Nokia CEO who will join Microsoft as part of the takeover, is very likely to be the new chief of the tech giant.