JCOM 2300: AOL Time Warner split

After just merging a few years ago AOL and Time Warner have mutually agreed to spilt back into two separate companies. Obviously several PR professionals are involved in the process making sure that both the general public and employees of both companies are well informed and aware of what is happening. AOL has come out and said that their most important public during this separation process are their own employees.

The spilt is going to cost AOL many jobs. About a third of their workforce(2,500) jobs will be lost. That's tough. In this economy nobody wants news of potential job losses especially to that extent. AOL's request is of its employees is what really surprises me. After announcing the job cuts AOL asked all the employees to consider their future at the company and decide if they wanted to stay. They asked people to VOLUNTEER to give up their jobs. WHAT? In this economy? You really expect people to voluntarily give up employment? It seemed like a weak leadership move on the part of the company. When things are tough as leadership you have to make unpopular decisions. AOL asking people to quit is like watching Michael Scott on The Office, when he has to fire someone. It's slow and unnecessarily painful.