- Microsoft to cut roughly 9,100 jobs, around 4% of its global staff.
- Second major layoff in 2024, following 6,000 job cuts in May.
- Downsizing targets sales and support roles amid economic headwinds.
Microsoft is moving forward with its most significant layoff round in over a year, cutting approximately 9,100 jobs — nearly 4% of its global workforce. This development follows an earlier round of 6,000 job cuts in May 2024.
While the company has not officially commented on the latest cuts, multiple reports, including from Bloomberg and The Seattle Times, suggest the move is a response to broader economic uncertainties and cost-control measures.
Microsoft Trims Workforce Again as Economic Pressures Mount
The layoffs mark a continued shift in Microsoft’s operational strategy, as the company pivots further into artificial intelligence and cloud-based services. By reducing roles in traditional sales and support, Microsoft appears to be prioritizing efficiency in delivering next-generation enterprise solutions, including its investments in OpenAI and Azure.
Industry analysts view this as a calculated move to future-proof the company. While it may temporarily impact employee morale, the restructuring aligns with Microsoft’s long-term digital vision. The reallocation of resources could lead to increased investment in AI talent, developer tools, and automation platforms.
The cuts also reflect a broader corporate trend: major tech firms trimming their workforces to streamline costs and prepare for tighter fiscal conditions. Companies like Amazon, Meta, and Google have all made similar decisions since 2023, highlighting an industry-wide response to global economic headwinds and shifting consumer behavior.
Employee advocacy groups have expressed concern over the pace and scale of such layoffs, urging greater transparency and support mechanisms for displaced workers. The rapid rise of AI and automation has reignited discussions about ethical downsizing, career retraining, and the evolving definition of job security in tech.
Microsoft’s latest workforce reduction underscores the balancing act tech giants face—staying competitive through innovation while managing economic volatility.
“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” — Albert Einstein
