[chiefalchemist]

To be fair, it's not accurate to assume or even imply they left because of Matt's behaviour. As even you go on to say, the incentive to leave - full stop - was there. Why not take advantage of the opportunity?

The whole "but once you leave there will be a Scarlett Letter on your HR folder's head (i.e., you will never be allowed back)" just sounded silly. Who knew Matt was a Taylor Swift fan?