Intel will once again offer free coffee and tea to employees after cutting employee benefits as part of a cost-cutting effort. The chipmaker reportedly said it would bring back free drinks in offices in an effort to boost employee morale.
An internal message seen by the media read: "While Intel still faces cost challenges, we understand that small comforts play an important role in our daily lives. We know this is only a small step, but we hope this is a meaningful step in supporting our workplace culture."
However, it is reported that the free fruit that employees were used to will not be restored.
After a series of setbacks, Intel cuts employee benefits, perks
Intel has been a major player in the technology industry for decades, but several missteps have derailed it.
As the company's valuation fell, the company implemented cost-cutting strategies.
In August this year, Intel announced that it would lay off 15,000 employees through voluntary severance agreements and layoffs. That month, the company sent employees a slide deck outlining benefits that would be cut, including eliminating or reducing reimbursement for internet, phone and commuting expenses.
In September, the company notified at least one office in Oregon that drinks and fruit were no longer free.
"That's stingy, right?" How much does a piece of fruit cost per day? " said a former Intel employee.