Rya Jetha

Employees at Andytown Coffee Roasters in Salesforce Park have gotten used to easing into the workweek with a slow Monday morning. But on the last day in September, the line to order coffee nearly reached the door, and cooks were working overtime with the panini press. 

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Employees at Andytown Coffee Roasters in Salesforce Park have gotten used to easing into the workweek with a slow Monday morning. But on the last day in September, the line to order coffee nearly reached the door, and cooks were working overtime with the panini press.

One barista reported toasting more breakfast sandwiches than on any day in recent memory — let alone a Monday. 

One barista reported toasting more breakfast sandwiches than on any day in recent memory — let alone a Monday.

Similar scenes played out around the neighborhood as local businesses buzzed, with their owners thanking a major tech company for bringing workers back to the office. Salesforce, the city’s largest private employer, has begun requiring most San Francisco employees to come to the office four to five days a week.

Similar scenes played out around the neighborhood as local businesses buzzed, with their owners thanking a major tech company for bringing workers back to the office. Salesforce, the city’s largest private employer, has begun requiring most San Francisco employees to come to the office four to five days a week.

A crowd of people eats lunch at Salesforce Park as Salesforce employees are required to return to the office on Monday, September 30, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_9327.jpg?w=1875" alt="People are dining outdoors under leafy trees, seated on colorful chairs, with a modern building in the background." class="wp-image-317193"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers, back at the office, eat lunch Monday at Salesforce Park.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_9327.jpg?w=1875" alt="People are dining outdoors under leafy trees, seated on colorful chairs, with a modern building in the background." class="wp-image-317193"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Workers, back at the office, eat lunch Monday at Salesforce Park.</figcaption></figure>

A steady stream of employees, many donning Salesforce backpacks, marched down sidewalks that have been more or less empty on Mondays since the pandemic struck. Traffic jams and a cacophony of honks filled the streets in SoMa, where Salesforce occupies multiple buildings, including Salesforce Tower. Commuters piled out of buses and into Salesforce Transit Center, the regional hub located below Salesforce Park.&nbsp;

A steady stream of employees, many donning Salesforce backpacks, marched down sidewalks that have been more or less empty on Mondays since the pandemic struck. Traffic jams and a cacophony of honks filled the streets in SoMa, where Salesforce occupies multiple buildings, including Salesforce Tower. Commuters piled out of buses and into Salesforce Transit Center, the regional hub located below Salesforce Park.&nbsp;

“It’s a big thing they are coming back to work,” said Dario Barbone, owner of Aurora Centro, an Italian deli in Salesforce Park. Unlike many tech companies, Salesforce does not have an in-house cafeteria, which meant local eateries thrived during the workday lunch rush before the pandemic. Now that workers are back, Barbone says, “it’s the best-case scenario for us.”&nbsp;

“It’s a big thing they are coming back to work,” said Dario Barbone, owner of Aurora Centro, an Italian deli in Salesforce Park. Unlike many tech companies, Salesforce does not have an in-house cafeteria, which meant local eateries thrived during the workday lunch rush before the pandemic. Now that workers are back, Barbone says, “it’s the best-case scenario for us.”&nbsp;

This week’s return-to-office mandate, which applies to select Salesforce employees in sales, workplace services, data-center engineering, and on-site support, reverses a broad shift to remote work during the pandemic that saw blue-chip tech firms in San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">retreating en masse from downtown</a>.&nbsp;

Corporate retreat: Big Tech has slashed its office presence in San Francisco by half

This week’s return-to-office mandate, which applies to select Salesforce employees in sales, workplace services, data-center engineering, and on-site support, reverses a broad shift to remote work during the pandemic that saw blue-chip tech firms in San Francisco <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/24/how-much-big-tech-pulled-back-in-san-francisco/">retreating en masse from downtown</a>.&nbsp;

The city is still reeling from the pullback. More than a third of offices in San Francisco are vacant, according to preliminary third-quarter data from real estate firm JLL.&nbsp;

The city is still reeling from the pullback. More than a third of offices in San Francisco are vacant, according to preliminary third-quarter data from real estate firm JLL.&nbsp;

The downturn has hurt local businesses. But on Monday, lines of hungry workers waited for a salad or sandwich at downtown eateries.

The downturn has hurt local businesses. But on Monday, lines of hungry workers waited for a salad or sandwich at downtown eateries.

At Tender Greens next to Salesforce West, the lunch line went out the door. “It’s never this busy,” an employee yelled over the crowd as she packed a salad for pickup.&nbsp;

At Tender Greens next to Salesforce West, the lunch line went out the door. “It’s never this busy,” an employee yelled over the crowd as she packed a salad for pickup.&nbsp;

Down the street at Ebiko, a sushi spot that opened two weeks ago, Salesforce employees crowded in at lunchtime to choose from a variety of poke bowls and sushi platters. Owner David Liu made the decision to open a downtown San Francisco location following the success of his Oakland restaurant, based on his theory that employees and companies would eventually return to the area.&nbsp;

Down the street at Ebiko, a sushi spot that opened two weeks ago, Salesforce employees crowded in at lunchtime to choose from a variety of poke bowls and sushi platters. Owner David Liu made the decision to open a downtown San Francisco location following the success of his Oakland restaurant, based on his theory that employees and companies would eventually return to the area.&nbsp;

“This is the prime location to be in,” said Liu, adding Monday that he had recognized customers who used to frequent his Oakland location returning to their offices in downtown San Francisco.&nbsp;

“This is the prime location to be in,” said Liu, adding Monday that he had recognized customers who used to frequent his Oakland location returning to their offices in downtown San Francisco.&nbsp;

A crowd of people eats lunch at Tender Greens on Fremont Street as Salesforce employees must return to the office on Monday, September 30, 2024.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/img_9318.jpg?w=1875" alt="A bustling restaurant with wooden booths and modern lighting, where a line of diners stands at a counter, and a group of people are eating and conversing at a table." class="wp-image-317191"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The pricey lunch salad is back in vogue in downtown San Francisco, as workers descend Monday on Tender Greens.</figcaption></figure>

“If you had a choice — and there’s so much vacancy — you’re going to the center which is here instead of deeper into SoMa or near the Civic Center,” he said. “I want to see it come back to life.”

“If you had a choice — and there’s so much vacancy — you’re going to the center which is here instead of deeper into SoMa or near the Civic Center,” he said. “I want to see it come back to life.”

When asked for comment, a Salesforce spokesperson referenced the company’s hybrid work guidelines that “focus on in-person connection, while recognizing the value of work away from the office.”

When asked for comment, a Salesforce spokesperson referenced the company’s hybrid work guidelines that “focus on in-person connection, while recognizing the value of work away from the office.”

Following Salesforce’s return to office and Amazon’s recent announcement that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/technology/amazon-return-to-office.html">employees are expected to spend five days a week in the office</a> beginning in January, other Big Tech firms are expected to introduce similar policies.&nbsp;

Following Salesforce’s return to office and Amazon’s recent announcement that <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/16/technology/amazon-return-to-office.html">employees are expected to spend five days a week in the office</a> beginning in January, other Big Tech firms are expected to introduce similar policies.&nbsp;

“These are two huge technology companies, so I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if others followed suit,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor at UCLA who studies the future of work. “The dominos are falling on the Zoomifying of our lives.”&nbsp;

“These are two huge technology companies, so I wouldn't be surprised if others followed suit,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor at UCLA who studies the future of work. “The dominos are falling on the Zoomifying of our lives.”&nbsp;

“These are two huge technology companies, so I wouldn&#8217;t be surprised if others followed suit,” said Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor at UCLA who studies the future of work. “The dominos are falling on the Zoomifying of our lives.”&nbsp;

Office attendance this year in San Francisco has averaged 43%, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. But post-pandemic work patterns have settled into a clear split between higher attendance near the middle of the week and lower attendance on Mondays and Fridays.&nbsp;

Office attendance this year in San Francisco has averaged 43%, according to data from access-card company Kastle Systems. But post-pandemic work patterns have settled into a clear split between higher attendance near the middle of the week and lower attendance on Mondays and Fridays.&nbsp;

In contrast to nearby businesses celebrating their returned customer base, Salesforce employees may be less enthused about the return to the office. Most hurried into the company’s eponymous tower without giving an opinion on their new work schedule, but one just shook their head and audibly groaned.

In contrast to nearby businesses celebrating their returned customer base, Salesforce employees may be less enthused about the return to the office. Most hurried into the company’s eponymous tower without giving an opinion on their new work schedule, but one just shook their head and audibly groaned.

SF’s biggest employer brings workers back downtown, and the neighbors are loving it 

Liz Lindqwister

Kevin Truong

Dreamforce is a strange beast. If you’re not well accustomed to techspeak—what even is “SaaS” or “CMS”?—fake forests and waterfalls, a jarring amount of A-List celebs and tech’s elite milling around you in baby blue lanyards, you’ll be forgiven for questioning what on earth is going on.

Dreamforce is a strange beast. If you’re not well accustomed to techspeak—what even is “SaaS” or “CMS”?—fake forests and waterfalls, a jarring amount of A-List celebs and tech’s elite milling around you in baby blue lanyards, you’ll be forgiven for questioning what on earth is going on.

And this year was no different—except that it was perhaps the strangest, most dystopian Dreamforce there’s ever been.

And this year was no different—except that it was perhaps the strangest, most dystopian Dreamforce there’s ever been.

ChatGPT’s boss essentially admitted he’d helped create the perfect breeding ground for an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/sam-altman-dreamforce-2023/">advanced surveillance state</a>, while Dreamforce commander-in-chief Marc Benioff practically <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/dreamforce-2023-benioff-says-ai-could-destroy-us-unless-salesforce-steps-in/">begged attendees to trust his AI</a>—even erecting a cryptic sign outside the venue’s waterfall, which read: “In Trust We AI.” No one knows what it means, not even Benioff, probably.

ChatGPT CEO reveals his favorite movie. It’s exactly what you’d expect

Salesforce CEO says AI could destroy us unless his company steps in

ChatGPT’s boss essentially admitted he’d helped create the perfect breeding ground for an <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/sam-altman-dreamforce-2023/">advanced surveillance state</a>, while Dreamforce commander-in-chief Marc Benioff practically <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/12/dreamforce-2023-benioff-says-ai-could-destroy-us-unless-salesforce-steps-in/">begged attendees to trust his AI</a>—even erecting a cryptic sign outside the venue’s waterfall, which read: “In Trust We AI.” No one knows what it means, not even Benioff, probably.

On a mission to bring the weirdness of it all to readers, The Standard’s reporters compiled a list of the most dystopian and bizarre comments we overheard.

On a mission to bring the weirdness of it all to readers, The Standard’s reporters compiled a list of the most dystopian and bizarre comments we overheard.

Katherine Janca takes a selfie with Codey the Bear during Dreamforce in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Marc Benioff made a commitment that if San Francisco does not address its drug and homeless problem, it might be the last time the event takes place in the city. AI tools had a significant presence at the event, and discussions revolved around Salesforce’s efforts to protect user data. However, despite the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in San Francisco, few COVID-19 protocols were observed, and many attendees remained unmasked.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DreamforceS-170.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-200360"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Katherine Janca takes a selfie with Codey the Bear during Dreamforce in San Francisco on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gobbledygook">Gobbledygook</h2>

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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gobbledygook">Gobbledygook</h2>

As we wandered into the world’s biggest nerdfest on Wednesday morning, The Standard heard a keynote presenter demoing an AI product.&nbsp;

As we wandered into the world’s biggest nerdfest on Wednesday morning, The Standard heard a keynote presenter demoing an AI product.&nbsp;

&#8220;This is what I call productivity: Somebody else is just doing the work,” they said. “It&#8217;s amazing.&#8221;

"This is what I call productivity: Somebody else is just doing the work,” they said. “It's amazing."

&#8220;This is what I call productivity: Somebody else is just doing the work,” they said. “It&#8217;s amazing.&#8221;

In their quest to become the most productive, least hard-working among us, Dreamforce attendees came up with quite a few phrases that went way over our plebeian brains. At one talk from Salesforce AI boss Clara Shih, we heard her firing out the following words in quick succession: Workflows, integrations, metadata, copilots, model-builder, confabulations.

In their quest to become the most productive, least hard-working among us, Dreamforce attendees came up with quite a few phrases that went way over our plebeian brains. At one talk from Salesforce AI boss Clara Shih, we heard her firing out the following words in quick succession: Workflows, integrations, metadata, copilots, model-builder, confabulations.

Across the way, in the main demo hall, tech company booths displayed banners boasting products that would “harmonize your data,” whatever that means. But we weren’t alone in our confusion.&nbsp;

Across the way, in the main demo hall, tech company booths displayed banners boasting products that would “harmonize your data,” whatever that means. But we weren’t alone in our confusion.&nbsp;

“They were talking about Einstein this and AI that. I really didn’t understand 80% of what they were saying,” said one attendee to her friend as they rode BART back to the East Bay Tuesday evening.

“They were talking about Einstein this and AI that. I really didn’t understand 80% of what they were saying,” said one attendee to her friend as they rode BART back to the East Bay Tuesday evening.

At Dreamforce, attendees participated in an API hack to enter a competition and win an iPad in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Marc Benioff made a commitment that if San Francisco does not address its drug and homeless problem, it might be the last time the event takes place in the city. AI tools had a significant presence at the event, and discussions revolved around Salesforce’s efforts to protect user data. However, despite the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in San Francisco, few COVID-19 protocols were observed, and many attendees remained unmasked.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DreamforceS-131.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-200356"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">At Dreamforce, attendees participated in an API hack to enter a competition and win an iPad in San Francisco on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

“I’m not gonna lie. I can’t keep up,” whispered one attendee while Benioff delivered the keynote address at Dreamforce.&nbsp;

“I’m not gonna lie. I can’t keep up,” whispered one attendee while Benioff delivered the keynote address at Dreamforce.&nbsp;

Still, attendees could agree on one thing: Salesforce Tower is intriguingly shaped.

Still, attendees could agree on one thing: Salesforce Tower is intriguingly shaped.

“There’s Salesforce Towers all over the world—I’m sorry they don’t look like a huge phallic symbol like this one does,” said David Noe, a five-time Salesforce attendee. “With friends that I know, I’m honest with them: It looks like a freakin’ dildo!”&nbsp;

“There’s Salesforce Towers all over the world—I’m sorry they don’t look like a huge phallic symbol like this one does,” said David Noe, a five-time Salesforce attendee. “With friends that I know, I’m honest with them: It looks like a freakin’ dildo!”&nbsp;

Outside the event, one confused attendee asked what a large, gray, furry creature was doing at a tech conference.

Outside the event, one confused attendee asked what a large, gray, furry creature was doing at a tech conference.

“It’s a squirrel? Why does it look like that?” they said.

“It’s a squirrel? Why does it look like that?” they said.

Flo the Flying Squirrel is Salesforce's newest mascot. The creature poses with Lawrence Aljentera, Flo's personal security for Dreamforce 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8604.jpeg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-201038"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Flo the Flying Squirrel is Salesforce&#8217;s newest mascot. The creature poses with Lawrence Aljentera, Flo&#8217;s personal security for Dreamforce 2023.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8604.jpeg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-201038"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Flo the Flying Squirrel is Salesforce's newest mascot. The creature poses with Lawrence Aljentera, Flo's personal security for Dreamforce 2023.</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_8604.jpeg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-201038"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Flo the Flying Squirrel is Salesforce&#8217;s newest mascot. The creature poses with Lawrence Aljentera, Flo&#8217;s personal security for Dreamforce 2023.</figcaption></figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dolphin-sounds-and-salesforce-socks">Dolphin Sounds and Salesforce Socks</h2>

Dreamforce’s liveliest day was by far on Wednesday, when celebrities like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/dreamforce-2023-matthew-mcconaughey-changes-tack-on-presidential-run-reveals-bizarre-benioff-nickname/">Matthew McConaughey</a>, Will.i.am and Jane Goodall descended upon San Francisco to talk tech. Later in the evening, the Foo Fighters kicked off the Dreamfest benefit concert as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/demi-lovato-appears-san-francisco-dreamforce/">Demi Lovato</a> took the stage back at the Moscone Center.

How Matthew McConaughey made Marc Benioff squeal like a dolphin

Dreamforce 2023: Demi Lovato to perform in downtown San Francisco

Dreamforce’s liveliest day was by far on Wednesday, when celebrities like <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/dreamforce-2023-matthew-mcconaughey-changes-tack-on-presidential-run-reveals-bizarre-benioff-nickname/">Matthew McConaughey</a>, Will.i.am and Jane Goodall descended upon San Francisco to talk tech. Later in the evening, the Foo Fighters kicked off the Dreamfest benefit concert as <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/09/13/demi-lovato-appears-san-francisco-dreamforce/">Demi Lovato</a> took the stage back at the Moscone Center.

“I love a little Matthew McConaughey in the morning, eh?” said Benioff in his opener for his keynote address on Tuesday.&nbsp;

“I love a little Matthew McConaughey in the morning, eh?” said Benioff in his opener for his keynote address on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The bromance between Benioff and McConaughey was palpable at their Wednesday talk.

The bromance between Benioff and McConaughey was palpable at their Wednesday talk.

McConaughey dubbed Benioff “Big Dolphin.” Benioff then did an actual dolphin impression to nervous laughter from the masses.

McConaughey dubbed Benioff “Big Dolphin.” Benioff then did an actual dolphin impression to nervous laughter from the masses.

Matthew McConaughey, left, sits down with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, right, to discuss topics from Uvalde shooting in Texas to the future of AI and how it affects the entertainment industry at Dreamforce in San Francisco on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/MattyMcDreamforce-217.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-200852"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Matthew McConaughey, left, sits down with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, right, to discuss topics from Uvalde shooting in Texas to the future of AI on Wednesday.</figcaption></figure>

That evening, The Standard descended even further into the bizarre technocratic world, as backpack-wearing professionals in slacks and heels swayed to Lovato’s impromptu show in SoMa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

That evening, The Standard descended even further into the bizarre technocratic world, as backpack-wearing professionals in slacks and heels swayed to Lovato’s impromptu show in SoMa.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In between bites of elote-on-a-stick, one tech worker insisted that the party was here to stay: “No rest. No nap, only party,” he said.&nbsp;

In between bites of elote-on-a-stick, one tech worker insisted that the party was here to stay: “No rest. No nap, only party,” he said.&nbsp;

Lovato, too, acknowledged the strange scene in front of her. At one point, the singer paused to thank the attendees for coming to her show, even if they weren’t her usual fan base of dedicated “Lovatics.”

Lovato, too, acknowledged the strange scene in front of her. At one point, the singer paused to thank the attendees for coming to her show, even if they weren’t her usual fan base of dedicated “Lovatics.”

“You guys are such a great crowd. You’re just so happy to be here—I look out in the audience and see so many smiling happy faces,” Lovato said. “Even some of you who don’t know all of my songs, you&#8217;re like smiling, trying to sing along; it’s really cute!”

“You guys are such a great crowd. You’re just so happy to be here—I look out in the audience and see so many smiling happy faces,” Lovato said. “Even some of you who don’t know all of my songs, you're like smiling, trying to sing along; it’s really cute!”

“You guys are such a great crowd. You’re just so happy to be here—I look out in the audience and see so many smiling happy faces,” Lovato said. “Even some of you who don’t know all of my songs, you&#8217;re like smiling, trying to sing along; it’s really cute!”

The Moscone Center was filled with thousands of people who attended Dreamforce in San Francisco on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. At this year’s Dreamforce event, Marc Benioff committed that if San Francisco does not address its drug and homeless problem, it might be the last time the event takes place in the city. AI tools had a significant presence at the event, and discussions revolved around Salesforce’s efforts to protect user data. However, despite the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in San Francisco, few COVID-19 protocols were observed, and many attendees remained unmasked.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DreamforceS-336.jpg?w=2500" alt="" class="wp-image-200372"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Moscone Center was filled with thousands of people who networked at Dreamforce in San Francisco on Tuesday.</figcaption></figure>

Lovato won the greatest prize of them all. In a lull during her Wednesday night set, a piece of merchandise went flying up to the stage.&nbsp;

Lovato won the greatest prize of them all. In a lull during her Wednesday night set, a piece of merchandise went flying up to the stage.&nbsp;

“I got Salesforce socks!! That’s amazing,” Lovato said. “I will cherish this forever!”

“I got Salesforce socks!! That’s amazing,” Lovato said. “I will cherish this forever!”

The weirdest things we overheard at San Francisco’s Dreamforce

Tech journalist Kara Swisher relishes her reputation as the grill master of the tech industry, noted for her ability to get leading CEOs to sit down in the hot seat and answer difficult questions. 

Tech journalist Kara Swisher relishes her reputation as the grill master of the tech industry, noted for her ability to get leading CEOs to sit down in the hot seat and answer difficult questions.

At the Upfront Summit on March 2, she tangled with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff on the company’s recent layoffs, its San Francisco tower and his relationship with Elon Musk.

At the Upfront Summit on March 2, she tangled with Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff on the company’s recent layoffs, its San Francisco tower and his relationship with Elon Musk.

The interview was published Tuesday <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fxoy84zO3z3sIaEyIlIsU?si=kGBDJ9ZxSHiAXaOHM8e5PA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as part of Swisher’s podcast</a>—and Benioff had a lot to say about a recent round of layoffs, remote work, Elon Musk and Salesforce’s love-it-or-hate-it Downtown tower.

The interview was published Tuesday <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fxoy84zO3z3sIaEyIlIsU?si=kGBDJ9ZxSHiAXaOHM8e5PA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">as part of Swisher’s podcast</a>—and Benioff had a lot to say about a recent round of layoffs, remote work, Elon Musk and Salesforce’s love-it-or-hate-it Downtown tower.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-salesforce-s-layoffs">On Salesforce’s Layoffs</h2>

<h2 id="h-on-salesforce-s-layoffs">On Salesforce’s Layoffs</h2>

Benioff said that 2021 “was the best year tech ever had.” Then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-the-tech-bubble-started-to-deflate-in-2022/">came the market correction</a> kicked off by federal rate hikes and inflation.&nbsp;

Benioff said that 2021 “was the best year tech ever had.” Then <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/heres-how-the-tech-bubble-started-to-deflate-in-2022/">came the market correction</a> kicked off by federal rate hikes and inflation.&nbsp;

Salesforce, which hired some 30,000 employees from the start of 2020 through the end of 2022, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/salesforce-to-cut-10-of-workforce-close-offices/">announced earlier this year</a> that it would lay off around 10% of its workforce, or roughly 8,000 employees.

Salesforce, which hired some 30,000 employees from the start of 2020 through the end of 2022, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/salesforce-to-cut-10-of-workforce-close-offices/">announced earlier this year</a> that it would lay off around 10% of its workforce, or roughly 8,000 employees.

Swisher said within Salesforce’s “Ohana”—a Hawaiian term for family—the feeling has been closer to the Soprano family recently and asked if more layoffs were on the way.&nbsp;

Swisher said within Salesforce’s “Ohana”—a Hawaiian term for family—the feeling has been closer to the Soprano family recently and asked if more layoffs were on the way.&nbsp;

Benioff argued that “as the company matures and grows, you have to constantly reshape it.” He deflected by pointing out that Microsoft announced layoffs the same night “they had Sting at a party in Davos.”

Benioff argued that “as the company matures and grows, you have to constantly reshape it.” He deflected by pointing out that Microsoft announced layoffs the same night “they had Sting at a party in Davos.”

“I could just have not said anything. That’s much easier. But I don’t think that that’s the right thing to do. The right thing to do is to actually take the bullets,” Benioff said.

“I could just have not said anything. That’s much easier. But I don’t think that that’s the right thing to do. The right thing to do is to actually take the bullets,” Benioff said.

He said he expects long-term restructuring to integrate the company’s string of acquisitions, a buying spree likely to be on pause for the foreseeable future. “I think that we have enough right now,” Benioff said.&nbsp;

He said he expects long-term restructuring to integrate the company’s string of acquisitions, a buying spree likely to be on pause for the foreseeable future. “I think that we have enough right now,” Benioff said.&nbsp;

As for the growing number of activist investors lining up to challenge the company’s strategy and push for more cost reductions? Benioff joked he needed software to keep track of them all, but said he’s made an effort to get to know them and their priorities.&nbsp;

As for the growing number of activist investors lining up to challenge the company’s strategy and push for more cost reductions? Benioff joked he needed software to keep track of them all, but said he’s made an effort to get to know them and their priorities.&nbsp;

“So while some of them add a lot of value, some of them don’t. Some of them have great ideas. Some of them don’t,” Benioff said.&nbsp;

“So while some of them add a lot of value, some of them don’t. Some of them have great ideas. Some of them don’t,” Benioff said.&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-wokeness">On Wokeness</h2>

Swisher pointed out that one of Salesforce’s activist investors is Strive Asset Management, a hedge fund co-founded by Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate for president and a crusader against “wokeness.” She asked how the pressure will impact Benioff’s own political positions.

Swisher pointed out that one of Salesforce’s activist investors is Strive Asset Management, a hedge fund co-founded by Vivek Ramaswamy, a Republican candidate for president and a crusader against “wokeness.” She asked how the pressure will impact Benioff’s own political positions.

Calling it “political shenanigans,” Benioff said that politicians around the world like to use Salesforce and other large software firms as a foil. He said what’s worse is when they try to discriminate against Salesforce employees.&nbsp;

Calling it “political shenanigans,” Benioff said that politicians around the world like to use Salesforce and other large software firms as a foil. He said what’s worse is when they try to discriminate against Salesforce employees.&nbsp;

He said his decision to tweet that he was going to “de-invest” from Indiana after then-Gov. Mike Pence signed an anti-LGBTQ law was the result of a few glasses of wine. But he realized he was committed when he saw his message on CNN the next morning. 

He said his decision to tweet that he was going to “de-invest” from Indiana after then-Gov. Mike Pence signed an anti-LGBTQ law was the result of a few glasses of wine. But he realized he was committed when he saw his message on CNN the next morning.

He said Pence later called him, and they negotiated a compromise after more and more business leaders came out in support.&nbsp;

He said Pence later called him, and they negotiated a compromise after more and more business leaders came out in support.&nbsp;

“I don’t feel like I am a woke CEO,” Benioff said. “In my heart, all I want to know is that my employees—whoever they are, whatever their sexual orientation is, their race, their gender, their religion—that they know we want them to have a great work experience and we’ll have their back.”

“I don’t feel like I am a woke CEO,” Benioff said. “In my heart, all I want to know is that my employees—whoever they are, whatever their sexual orientation is, their race, their gender, their religion—that they know we want them to have a great work experience and we’ll have their back.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-remote-work-and-salesforce-tower">On Remote Work and Salesforce Tower</h2>

<h2 id="h-on-remote-work-and-salesforce-tower">On Remote Work and Salesforce Tower</h2>

Benioff, who faced pushback from fellow CEOs after saying full-time office work was over, said the “post-pandemic reality” has become much clearer.

Benioff, who faced pushback from fellow CEOs after saying full-time office work was over, said the “post-pandemic reality” has become much clearer.

“When we look at business today, for our new employees who are coming in, we know empirically that they do better if they’re in the office, meeting people, being onboarded, being trained,” Benioff said. “If they are at home and not going through that process, we don’t think they’re as successful.”

“When we look at business today, for our new employees who are coming in, we know empirically that they do better if they’re in the office, meeting people, being onboarded, being trained,” Benioff said. “If they are at home and not going through that process, we don’t think they’re as successful.”

Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff speaks during the grand opening of the Salesforce Tower, the tallest building in San Francisco, Calif., Tuesday, May 22, 2018. | Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/SalesforceBenioffFuture091222_INLINED02-2500x1651.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-76221"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff speaks during the grand opening of the Salesforce Tower, the tallest building in San Francisco, on May 22, 2018. | Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

Swisher asked the pertinent question for anyone <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-is-losing-billions-a-year-in-local-spending-to-remote-working/">tracking the fortunes of Downtown</a>: Are you bringing back people to your &#8220;big-ass, giant-ass, idiotic&#8221; building in San Francisco? She called Salesforce Tower a “penis” that “ruined my view.”

Swisher asked the pertinent question for anyone <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-is-losing-billions-a-year-in-local-spending-to-remote-working/">tracking the fortunes of Downtown</a>: Are you bringing back people to your "big-ass, giant-ass, idiotic" building in San Francisco? She called Salesforce Tower a “penis” that “ruined my view.”

Swisher asked the pertinent question for anyone <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/san-francisco-is-losing-billions-a-year-in-local-spending-to-remote-working/">tracking the fortunes of Downtown</a>: Are you bringing back people to your &#8220;big-ass, giant-ass, idiotic&#8221; building in San Francisco? She called Salesforce Tower a “penis” that “ruined my view.”

In a roundabout answer, Benioff said that he sees two categories of employees. Fully remote workers whose numbers are “going to increase dramatically” and those who are returning to the office, which differs based on job function.

In a roundabout answer, Benioff said that he sees two categories of employees. Fully remote workers whose numbers are “going to increase dramatically” and those who are returning to the office, which differs based on job function.

Engineering workers, Benioff said, only come in 10 days a quarter, whereas non-remote general and administrative employees are expected to come in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For sales and marketing, they are “more of a four-day-a-week executive,” he said. 

Engineering workers, Benioff said, only come in 10 days a quarter, whereas non-remote general and administrative employees are expected to come in on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. For sales and marketing, they are “more of a four-day-a-week executive,” he said.

“I don’t want to force anybody,” Benioff said. “You’re going to be in a bad situation with attrition. And we don’t want to lose our stars. So we don’t want mandates. We want reasons. We want to show them, ‘Here are the five reasons why we think you should be back in the office.’”

“I don’t want to force anybody,” Benioff said. “You’re going to be in a bad situation with attrition. And we don’t want to lose our stars. So we don’t want mandates. We want reasons. We want to show them, ‘Here are the five reasons why we think you should be back in the office.’”

He said that he thinks <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tales-of-a-tower-salesforce-tower/">bringing people to the tower</a> is important for employees in building a culture. He apologized, albeit facetiously, for Salesforce Tower’s conspicuous impact on the city skyline.

He said that he thinks <a href="https://sfstandard.com/business/tales-of-a-tower-salesforce-tower/">bringing people to the tower</a> is important for employees in building a culture. He apologized, albeit facetiously, for Salesforce Tower’s conspicuous impact on the city skyline.

“I ask the whole world to forgive me, and I will forgive the world,” he said.

“I ask the whole world to forgive me, and I will forgive the world,” he said.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-elon-musk-and-twitter">On Elon Musk and Twitter</h2>

<h2 id="h-on-elon-musk-and-twitter">On Elon Musk and Twitter</h2>

Swisher and Benioff also tangled over Elon Musk, particularly over the Salesforce CEO’s praise of Musk after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/pelosi-attack-footage-unlikely-to-hammer-conspiracy-theories-experts-say/">he tweeted out a misleading statement</a> in the wake of the attack on Paul Pelosi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Swisher and Benioff also tangled over Elon Musk, particularly over the Salesforce CEO’s praise of Musk after <a href="https://sfstandard.com/politics/pelosi-attack-footage-unlikely-to-hammer-conspiracy-theories-experts-say/">he tweeted out a misleading statement</a> in the wake of the attack on Paul Pelosi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“How do you separate the visionary part from what’s happening, which is clearly problematic?” Swisher asked. She referenced a recent interview where Benioff said “Every CEO in Silicon Valley has looked at what Elon Musk has done and asked themselves: Do they need to unleash their own Elon within?”&nbsp;

“How do you separate the visionary part from what’s happening, which is clearly problematic?” Swisher asked. She referenced a recent interview where Benioff said “Every CEO in Silicon Valley has looked at what Elon Musk has done and asked themselves: Do they need to unleash their own Elon within?”&nbsp;

Benioff responded with a list of Musk’s technological innovations at SpaceX, Tesla and Neuralink.&nbsp;

Benioff responded with a list of Musk’s technological innovations at SpaceX, Tesla and Neuralink.&nbsp;

“I certainly think that the way I would handle certain things might have been different and have been. At the same time, I have a lot of respect for some of his ability to execute and innovate. So I think you have to look at that—there are two sides of the coin,” Benioff said.&nbsp;

“I certainly think that the way I would handle certain things might have been different and have been. At the same time, I have a lot of respect for some of his ability to execute and innovate. So I think you have to look at that—there are two sides of the coin,” Benioff said.&nbsp;

Musk’s most recent project is also a point of fascination for Benioff, who said he regrets not buying Twitter back when he had the chance. He called Twitter “one of the great companies, brands, platforms.”

Musk’s most recent project is also a point of fascination for Benioff, who said he regrets not buying Twitter back when he had the chance. He called Twitter “one of the great companies, brands, platforms.”

Marc Benioff is sorry about Salesforce Tower, explains how a drunk tweet led to a standoff with Mike Pence

The mirrored crown of Salesforce Tower is hard to miss—and for good reason, as the 1,070-foot tower today reigns as SF’s tallest building. Often <a href="https://salesforcetower.com/artwork/#:~:text=This%20large%2Dscale%20video%2Dbased,installation%20will%20be%20ever%20changing." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lit up with themed visuals and LED-powered light shows</a>, the cloud company’s headquarters has become, <a href="https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2017/transbay-terminal/the-tower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to many</a>, a beacon and symbol of tech’s enduring presence in the Bay Area.

The mirrored crown of Salesforce Tower is hard to miss—and for good reason, as the 1,070-foot tower today reigns as SF’s tallest building. Often <a href="https://salesforcetower.com/artwork/#:~:text=This%20large%2Dscale%20video%2Dbased,installation%20will%20be%20ever%20changing." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lit up with themed visuals and LED-powered light shows</a>, the cloud company’s headquarters has become, <a href="https://projects.sfchronicle.com/2017/transbay-terminal/the-tower/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to many</a>, a beacon and symbol of tech’s enduring presence in the Bay Area.

But before Salesforce Tower opened its doors in 2018, an 853-foot skyscraper held the title of tallest tower for nearly five decades: The Transamerica Pyramid.&nbsp;

But before Salesforce Tower opened its doors in 2018, an 853-foot skyscraper held the title of tallest tower for nearly five decades: The Transamerica Pyramid.&nbsp;

The Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are seen at sunset in on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. | Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/TransAmericaTall113022_FEATURED-2500x1684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-98754"/><figcaption>The Transamerica Pyramid and Salesforce Tower are seen at sunset in on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022. | Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

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