Salesforce sent emails scolding employees for 'absence' at a company event after its CEO joked about ICE

Numerous Salesforce employees have reported receiving emails inquiring about their absence from a recent company event where CEO Marc Benioff made controversial jokes regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Internal Slack messages obtained by Business Insider reveal that many employees were dismayed by Benioff's comments, including a remark about ICE monitoring employees' travel. The backlash was palpable, as employees took to an internal Slack channel to voice their disappointment shortly after the event. In a subsequent email, the company addressed the absence of several employees during the Company Kickoff (CKO), stating, "Your absence was noted during today's CKO programming." The email further elaborated that attendees were seen in various locations, such as hallways and bars, instead of participating in scheduled sessions, which the company deemed unacceptable. One employee shared that the email included a Google form for individuals to cite any "extenuating circumstances" for their absence, with a strict limit of 250 characters for responses. Some employees speculated whether the email was a direct consequence of Benioff's remarks, noting that a number chose not to return to the event after his comments. Others who did return also received the email. In the wake of these developments, employees expressed frustration on Slack, with one stating, "You should not be punished for not wanting to be in an environment that made you or any of your colleagues feel psychologically or physically unsafe." Another employee echoed this sentiment by referencing the phrase "This does not meet our expectations" from the email, responding with "right back atcha." Salesforce has not provided a comment regarding the situation as of yet, leaving employees and observers eager for clarity on the matter.