In a continuation of its downsizing efforts announced in January 2023, Microsoft is undergoing another round of layoffs.
This wave of job cuts affects employees beyond the initial 10,000 reductions and primarily impacts customer service, support, and sales roles. According to GeekWire, 276 individuals based in Washington State are among those affected, including 66 virtual workers. Several impacted employees from the Washington division have taken to LinkedIn to share their experiences.
This recent workforce reduction by Microsoft is unusual, occurring shortly after the start of the 2024 fiscal year. A spokesperson highlighted that organizational adjustments are a regular part of managing the business, emphasizing the company’s commitment to investing in strategic growth areas.
Former Microsoft employees are leveraging LinkedIn as they seek new job opportunities.
Reflecting on the layoffs, individuals like Regina Chen, a former technical trainer, view this as a chance for personal growth and transformation, while emphasizing the inevitability of change in professional lives. Robi B, a former IT Solutions leader, shared her experience of being laid off on the eve of her first anniversary at the company. Encouraging others affected by the layoffs, she reassured them that this moment does not define their worth and abilities.
Microsoft attributed the previous major job cuts to factors such as over-hiring and macroeconomic conditions. CEO Satya Nadella mentioned in an email that the company would be eliminating roles due to changing customer priorities and economic circumstances, while simultaneously focusing on hiring in key strategic areas. In addition to Microsoft, several other prominent tech companies have also undergone significant layoffs this year. As reported by the layoffs tracker Layoff.fyi, a total of 839 tech firms have collectively laid off 216,328 employees in 2023.