Microsoft to cut 6,000 jobs in latest workforce reduction

Microsoft has announced it will lay off nearly 3% of its global workforce, affecting approximately 6,000 employees, The Guardian reported. The cuts will span various levels and regions, with a focus on reducing management layers. The company, which employed 228,000 full-time workers as of June 2023, issued layoff notices on Tuesday.

In a statement, Microsoft said the restructuring aims to better position the company for success in a fast-changing market. This marks its largest round of layoffs since early 2023, when it cut 10,000 jobs. The move comes despite Microsoft’s strong financial performance.

The company recently reported better-than-expected earnings for the fourth consecutive quarter. In April, CFO Amy Hood said Microsoft was aiming to build “high-performing teams” by reducing managerial layers, noting that overall headcount in March had slightly declined from the previous quarter.