Ford Motor CEO Jim Hackett warned employees Thursday that "tougher actions" such as job cuts could be needed depending on the severity and length of the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on operations.

In a letter to employees, Hackett said the automaker's goal is "to manage through the crisis without eliminating Ford jobs," but noted that there are circumstances that could force the company's hand. He said if the "effects of the coronavirus on the global economy and Ford go on for longer -- or are more severe -- than we currently anticipate, we may have to take tougher actions. But not today."

"Our people are dealing with enough challenges without being out of work, too," he said. "Plus, on the other side of the crisis, we will need our talented team to quickly ramp up to our full potential."

Hackett also said Ford will defer merit-based salary increases, partially defer executive salaries, suspend overtime for salaried workers and freeze hiring for noncritical skill positions. He said work schedules and compensation may be "temporarily reduced" for workers whose jobs can't be done from home and that others may be offered voluntary sabbaticals.