Patagonia gives staff three days to agree to relocate across the US or leave the company as it announces major restructure
Patagonia has given scores of staff just three days to agree to relocate across the country or face losing their jobs amid a major restructure.
The clothing retailer informed 90 customer experience (CX) team employees they will be required to move closer to one of Patagonia's seven hubs to retain their positions.
The affected staff are all able to work remotely, but must now live within 60 miles of centers in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Reno, Dallas, Austin, Chicago, or Pittsburgh.
The announcement was made at a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, with employees given until Friday to make their decision.
Workers were offered $4,000 toward relocation costs and more vacation days. Those who accept must relocate by September 30.
Patagonia has given scores of staff just three days to agree to relocate across the country or face losing their jobs amid a major restructure
Those who do not respond will automatically begin the severance process. The announcement impacts more than two thirds of Patagonia's CX team.
The ultimatum has angered many employees who feel the it is at odds with the brand's founding ethos.
'Patagonia is not this small niche outdoor company anymore, it's a big corp in sheep's clothing,' one disgruntled worker said.
'I still think they made good products, but I think they don't treat their people as well as they claim to.'
Patagonia was set up in 1973 by rock climber Yvon Chouinard as a sustainable outdoor clothing brand.
Chouinard had a relaxed approach to work and lived by the philosophy, 'let my people go surfing'.
Over the years, it has prided itself on tackling climate change, transferring to a trust and non-profit with proceeds going to help fight global warming.
'It feels like they're full of s**t, that they would rather spend their money on the world instead of their people,' the employee added.
The clothing brand, headed by CEO Ryan Gellert (pictured), informed 90 customer experience (CX) team employees they will be required to move closer to one of Patagonia's seven hubs to retain their positions
The severance deal was described as 'generous', but many could not understand why it was being proposed at all.
'I definitely feel like I've been laid off,' one worker said, 'I've never been late for work; I have gotten nothing but outstanding performance reviews.'
The employee accused Patagonia of stooping to 'Walmart level' and suggested the proposals were due to the brand's reluctance to increase wages.
'We've been asking for raises for a long time, and they keep telling us that your wage is based on a Reno cost of living and where you choose to live is on you,' the worker said.
The company's headquarters in Ventura, California were not selected as one of the hubs.
'Unfortunately, a California-based hub would not meet the criteria we set for a sustainable CX model,' Patagonia spokesperson Corley Kenna told Business Insider.
The affected staff are all able to work remotely, but must now live within 60 miles of centers in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Reno, Dallas, Austin, Chicago or Pittsburgh
Kenna added the changes are designed to tackle overstaffing in the CX team which has been between 200 and 300 percent over the last few years.
'While we hoped to reach the needed staffing levels through attrition, those numbers were very low, and retention remained high,' Kenna said.
CX workers also complained about feeling disconnected, according to the spokesperson.
'These changes are crucial for us to build a vibrant team culture,' Kenna explained.
