AO World’s CEO and founder John Roberts has warned its 3,000 employees to quit if they are not happy with its new policy of working in the office full time.
According to The Times, the white goods retailers’ flexible working option has been banned for its employees since the start of the year.
As a result, Roberts revealed a raft of employees had resigned following the policy change, and “wishes some other people would as well” if they are not satisfied with the policy change.
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“I’d urge them to please leave,” Roberts told The Times.
“The production levels of those people working here who don’t want to be in the office are much lower. Everyone almost breathes a sigh of relief when they leave.”
Instead, he argued that employees working from home could find their jobs outsourced overseas.
He added: “Working from home, you might as well be working abroad, which is only a step away from outsourcing.” warning that cheaper workers could be sourced in places such as India.
Commenting on its recruitment drive, Roberts claimed it had not been difficult to hire new staff, following its raised profit guidance for its recent financial year.
In its trading update for the six months ended 30 September, the online electrical retailer stated it now expects profits to come in around the top end of the £37.5 million to £45 million adjusted EBITDA.
Image credit: AO World
