The 𝕏 algorithm assumes that if you interact with content, you want to see more of that content.
One of the strongest signals is if you forward 𝕏 posts to friends, it assumes you like that content a lot, because it takes effort to forward.
Unfortunately, if the actual reason…
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 2, 2024
Elon Musk has introduced a new policy at X, formerly known as Twitter, requiring employees to submit one-page reports detailing their contributions to the company in order to receive their stock grants. This unconventional approach is the latest in a series of unique employee policies implemented by Musk at his companies. According to an internal email seen by The Verge, X plans to award stock options based on the anticipated impact of each employee’s work.
To be considered for these grants, staff members must write a one-page summary of their contributions.
As Elon Musk and 𝕏 fight for free speech, do you support their work? pic.twitter.com/opeFTRZM1t
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) September 1, 2024
The introduction of this requirement coincides with a delay in the promotions process at X, which has caused tension among employees. Musk has previously stated that employees would be able to cash out their stock regularly, similar to the practice at his astronautics company SpaceX.
However, this promise has yet to be fulfilled.
Just like everything else Elon Musk does, people want 𝕏 to fail. But we are out here supporting. pic.twitter.com/ldludayE1q
— Tesla Owners Silicon Valley (@teslaownersSV) August 31, 2024
The most recent stock refresh for X employees took place in October 2023, valuing the company at $19 billion, significantly less than the $44 billion Musk paid to acquire it. Shortly after his acquisition of Twitter, Musk informed employees via email that the company would be transitioning to an “extremely hardcore” operation, requiring staff to work “long hours at high intensity.” Employees were asked to sign a pledge committing to this new culture or leave the company with three months of severance pay.
Musk has also implemented strict attendance policies at his companies.
"If 𝕏 can be the least imperfect place to find the truth on the internet, then I will consider that we have done a good job."
— Elon Musk
— DogeDesigner (@cb_doge) September 1, 2024
During the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic, he required employees to spend a minimum of 40 hours in the office per week or risk termination.
New employee contribution requirement initated
In 2022, Tesla began closely monitoring employee attendance, with remote workers who could not relocate facing the possibility of losing their jobs. At X, Musk has imposed similar policies, mandating managers to meet in-person with employees at least once a month and threatening to terminate higher-ups who allow non-“exceptional” employees to work remotely. Musk is known for his willingness to reduce staff numbers.
Within his first few months as chief of X, he laid off more than 6,000 people, about 80% of the company’s workforce. Earlier this year, he also laid off hundreds of Tesla employees, impacting over 10% of the electric vehicle maker’s global workforce. The company later sought to hire 800 new employees for service and artificial intelligence roles.
Musk has faced accusations of threatening workers who attempt to unionize. The United Auto Workers claimed that he advocated for the illegal firing of striking workers, a stance also supported by former President Trump. In 2018, the National Labor Relations Board judged Musk’s statement questioning why Tesla workers would pay union dues and “give up stock options for nothing” as threatening to labor organizers.
The high expectations and strict policies at Musk’s companies likely stem from his own work ethic. In 2018, he made headlines when he revealed that he slept on couches and under his desk during the production of the Tesla Model 3 due to time constraints. His commitment has influenced his expectations of employees, as he mentioned in an earnings call earlier this year that Tesla workers might need to sleep on the production line to push for a new, affordable line of electric vehicles.
