I'm going to state the obvious

when zhit hits the fan, it is always someone else.   The problem here is not the employees. It is Mr. CEO.  you are leading the arm. If they failed its your fault.  What is fire 15k employees going to do.  it is going to get 15k more employees to leave.  If you want to change something starting with the man in the mirror.  See past the picture, things are not always what it appears to be.