Microsoft to lay off 10,000 employees starting Wednesday; roughly 5% of the workforce affected
In a shocking move this week, Microsoft announced that it will be cutting thousands of jobs as the global economy slows down. The software giant, known for its innovative technology and industry-leading products, confirmed that it will be reducing its workforce by 10,000 people by the end of the third quarter of 2023. This news comes as a surprise to many in the tech industry, as Microsoft has long been considered a stable and secure employer.
The company stated that the cuts are in response to changing macroeconomic conditions and shifts in customer priorities. Other tech companies such as Amazon and Meta have also made similar cuts in recent months, signaling a trend in the industry towards downsizing as the global economy struggles to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
According to Layoffs.fyi, a website that tracks tech layoffs, over 154,000 layoffs occurred from more than 1,000 tech companies in 2022. The website's tallies, which are likely an undercount, have continued at a fast clip in 2023, with more than 25,000 layoffs recorded so far this year. Layoff list,
领英推荐
Microsoft's layoffs will affect roughly 5% of its workforce, and some notifications have already been given to employees.
"It’s important to note that while we are eliminating roles in some areas, we will continue to hire in key strategic areas," said Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, in a statement to employees. "We know this is a challenging time for each person impacted. The senior leadership team and I are committed that as we go through this process, we will do so in the most thoughtful and transparent way possible." Nadella also reassured that the company will continue to invest in strategic areas for its future, "meaning we are allocating both our capital and talent to areas of secular growth and long-term competitiveness for the company while divesting in other areas."
This news from Microsoft is a stark reminder of the ongoing economic challenges faced by businesses and individuals alike. As the tech industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing conditions, it is important to stay informed and stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.