Microsoft has announced that it is going to lay off just under four percent of its global workforce as part of ongoing efforts to streamline operations and adapt to new technological developments.
A company spokesperson stated via email that Microsoft is “continuing to implement organisational changes necessary to position the business and its teams for long-term success in a rapidly evolving marketplace.”
Although the tech firm did not provide an exact figure, the layoffs equate to roughly 9,000 positions, based on its most recent employment figures from June 2024, which indicated a global headcount of 228,000.
The latest round of redundancies follows earlier job cuts in May, which saw around 6,000 roles axed. Microsoft is reportedly targeting layers of middle management in particular, as it looks to make its workforce more agile and focused.
The company, which has made major strides in artificial intelligence integration since 2022, said it is embracing technology to enable staff to dedicate more time to impactful work.
“Even in the best of times, we’ve regularly adjusted our workforce to align with the strategic needs of the business,” the company noted in its statement.
Microsoft, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was among the first major tech companies to fully embrace AI, especially after the launch of ChatGPT revolutionised the industry.
