• by Ray Schultz , March 26, 2020

OutboundEngine, a marketing software firm that helps clients send email newsletters, among other things, has laid off 52 employees.

The Austin, Texas-based company, which has 140 remaining people on board, is also reducing compensation for management and current employees-specifically by 30%.for leadership, OutboundEngine CEO Marc Pickren says in an email. 

The affected employees were notified by their direct supervisors by phone on Wednesday instead of in person because of work-at-home requirements. 

"The layoffs are a direct response to COVID-19 and its sea change impact to the financial markets," Pickren writes. "These actions are necessary to secure a bright future for the company, including preserving hundreds of jobs in Austin, Texas."

Pickren adds: "Post this action we are sufficiently staffed, capitalized and will be able to maintain a high level of sales and service into 2021."

The VC-backed company experienced a similar layoff when it closed its Phoenix, Arizona office in 2017, Pickren continues. 

Pickren comments, "Restrictions on business and commerce will eventually be relaxed and lifted. I expect to see demand from many sectors and a strong compulsion for consumers and businesses to get back to the workplace."