CEO Who Fired 900 Employees On Zoom Call Returns To Position As Company Promises Changes

Better.com CEO Vishal Garg, who in early December fired 900 employees on a Zoom call by saying “you’re a part of the unlucky group,” will return to his position as the company promises to change its workplace culture.

According to a memo attributed to Better.com’s board obtained by reporters, “Vishal will be resuming his full-time duties as CEO.” The memo claims Garg took the time off to “reflect on his leadership, reconnect with the values that make Better great, and work closely with an executive coach.”

Better.com also says it has been working with third parties to improve its workplace culture and conduct. The company uses technology to make homeownership more accessible to more people and create a faster process through technology.

In a letter to employees on Tuesday obtained by CNN, CEO Vishal Garg wrote, “I understand how hard these past few weeks have been. I am deeply sorry for the angst, distraction, and embarrassment my actions have caused. I've spent a lot of time thinking about where we are as a company and the type of leadership Better needs...and the leader I want to be.”

It is not strange for a mass layoff to occur over the holidays; however, the pandemic has changed how those layoffs are being conducted. As technology takes over more industries, mass layoffs are inevitable, but Garg’s handling of the situation drew a lot of ire on social media.

Claims that the company did a mass layoff for financial reasons were underscored by news of a $750 million infusion the company received just before the firings. Better.com had plans to go public that were delayed in the wake of Garg's conduct.