A United States-based boss who gained worldwide attention for sacking nearly 1,000 staff over a one-way video call just weeks before Christmas says he is "deeply sorry" for the blunder.
In a message to Better.com's remaining staff, chief executive Vishal Garg acknowledged he had bungled the announcement of the mass layoffs last week.
"I failed to show the appropriate amount of respect and appreciation for the individuals who were affected and for their contributions to Better," he said in a message posted publicly on the company's website.
"I own the decision to do the layoffs, but in communicating [them], I blundered the execution. In doing so, I embarrassed you.
"I am deeply sorry and am committed to learning from this situation and doing more to be the leader that you expect me to be."
Company valued at billions of dollars
The awkward video sacking gained prominence on social media after employees being dismissed filmed the video call and shared it online.
"This isn't news that you're going to want to hear but, ultimately, it was my decision, and I wanted you to hear it from me," Mr Garg says to employees in the clip.
The sacking affected about 9 per cent of the company's employees, or more than 900 people.
Better.com is a digital mortgage business that was set to go public earlier this year.
The merger deal that formed part of the public listing plan valued the company at $US7.7 billion ($10.7 billion).
Mr Garg said he stood by the decision to sack staff, which was legal in the United States, but was unlikely to happen in other parts of the developed world such as in Australia.
