MillerKnoll CEO apologizes to staff

Owen focusing ‘on the things we can control’

By Kayleigh Van Wyk

MillerKnoll Inc. CEO Andi Owen apologized to employees following a viral video clip that sparked backlash on social media for comments toward workers hoping for bonuses while her own compensation package for the 2022 fiscal year approached $5 million.

In a brief video captured from a company meeting in March and posted on Twitter, Owen is shown addressing staff members of the Zeeland-based furniture company. Some employees had reportedly asked how to stay motivated if employee bonuses are not issued this year.

Owen’s response began on an optimistic note as she decided to address the topic.

“The most important thing we can do right now is focus on the things that we can control,” Owen said in the video, going on to reference the COVID-19 pandemic, supply chain disruptions and “bank failures” as unpredictable circumstances.

The clip, which had amassed more than 7 million views by midApril, then shows Owen appearing frustrated as she discouraged staffers from focusing on whether bonuses are coming.

“Don’t ask about, ‘What are we going to do if we don’t get a bonus?’ Get the damn $26 million,” Owen said, referring to an undisclosed internal metric. “Spend your time and your effort thinking about the $26 million we need and not thinking about what you’re going to do if you don’t get a bonus. All right? Can I get some commit- ment for that?” development, which calls for first-floor retail and 120 apartments.

In an effort to improve walkability, the city initially planned to remove on-street parking on the north side of Leonard to widen the sidewalk from 6 feet to 12 feet and plant trees. The city’s Vital Streets Oversight Commission, which guides public investments on roads and transportation infrastructure, approved the original plan.

BY KATE CARLSON

However, after a March 23 neighborhood engagement meeting about the proposed improvement plan to eliminate street parking drew public pushback, city staff decided to pursue new design options that maintain north side street parking, city engineer Tim Burkman said. The city now aims to remove parking on the south side of Leonard Street.