Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has scheduled a "town hall" meeting for Microsoft employees tomorrow at 9 a.m. The subject of Yahoo will probably come up, but why would Microsoft employees beyond executives care?

Jobs. Microsoft has put $1.5 billion on the table to retain Yahoo employees, but what about the kids in Redmond? The combined workforce — around 79,000 at Microsoft and 13,800 at Yahoo — is a lot closer to 100,000 than any investor would like to see. Many of the employees at the two companies are investors through stock and option programs. All the same, they might take a dimmer view of new staff efficiencies than your typical equity holder. (Photo by AP/Virginia Mayo)

Contact information for this author is not available.