Microsoft Employee Recounts Sudden Layoff as Company Cuts 6,000 Jobs Worldwide
Microsoft recently confirmed a fresh round of job cuts, affecting approximately 3% of its global workforce—around 6,000 employees. The layoffs span multiple departments, roles, and countries, with nearly 2,000 job losses reported in the company’s home state of Washington, as per a state labor filing.
The tech giant said the move was part of its ongoing effort to streamline operations, reduce managerial layers, and harness the benefits of artificial intelligence. “We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft spokesperson stated.
Employee Shares Emotional Experience
Among those affected was an employee who had been with Microsoft for over seven years. Taking to LinkedIn, she shared how she was laid off through a sudden calendar invite from a higher-up.
“POV: I was laid off today from MSFT. I had a last-minute meeting added to my calendar by my skip and was spiralling trying to figure out the agenda. FY26 priorities? Reorg? Once an unfamiliar face joined the call, I quickly realised I too was a part of the Microsoft layoffs,” she wrote.
Despite the abrupt end to her time at Microsoft, she reflected positively on her experience and stated her intention to explore new opportunities. “I plan to take the next few days to think about my career and envision what I want my new opportunity to be,” she added, declaring herself “Open to Work.”
She also offered words of support to others affected: “I know this is not the best time to unexpectedly enter the job market, but I am sending positive thoughts to all MSFTies impacted as well. We got this.”
Her post quickly garnered support, with fellow professionals offering words of encouragement and even job referrals.
Layoffs Amid Strong Financial Results
The layoffs come just weeks after Microsoft reported strong earnings for the January–March quarter, driven by growth in its cloud computing and AI segments. The company, now marking its 50th anniversary, has been a frontrunner in integrating AI across its product suite, following the industry-shifting debut of ChatGPT in 2022.
