Microsoft will likely be shedding about 4% of its workforce, which is about 9,000 staff. It’s unclear if any of these jobs are throughout the Bing, Copilot or Microsoft Promoting companies, or any search-related enterprise. It does appear to be the toughest hit by this are these within the Xbox division however others are impacted.
CNBC reported, “Microsoft mentioned Wednesday that it’ll lay off about 9,000 staff. The transfer will have an effect on lower than 4% of its world workforce throughout completely different groups, geographies and ranges of expertise, an individual conversant in the matter informed CNBC.”
This comes weeks after Google held a buyout program, to scale back its workforce. This additionally got here after Microsoft lower about 6,000 jobs in Could and over 300 jobs in June.
The Verge posted the e-mail Phil Spencer despatched out to its staff:
Immediately we’re sharing selections that may affect colleagues throughout our group. To place Gaming for enduring success and permit us to give attention to strategic development areas, we are going to finish or lower work in sure areas of the enterprise and comply with Microsoft’s lead in eradicating layers of administration to extend agility and effectiveness. Out of respect for these impacted at the moment, the specifics of at the moment’s notifications and any organizational shifts will likely be shared by your staff leaders within the coming days.
I acknowledge that these modifications come at a time when we now have extra gamers, video games, and gaming hours than ever earlier than. Our platform, {hardware}, and sport roadmap have by no means appeared stronger. The success we’re seeing at the moment relies on powerful selections we’ve made beforehand. We should make decisions now for continued success in future years and a key a part of that technique is the self-discipline to prioritize the strongest alternatives. We are going to defend what is flourishing and focus effort on areas with the best potential, whereas delivering on the expectations the corporate has for our enterprise. This targeted strategy means we will ship distinctive video games and experiences for gamers for generations to come back.
Prioritizing our alternatives is crucial, however that doesn’t reduce the importance of this second. Merely put, we might not be the place we’re at the moment with out the time, power, and creativity of these whose roles are impacted. These selections will not be a mirrored image of the expertise, creativity, and dedication of the folks concerned. Our momentum isn’t unintended—it’s the results of years of devoted effort from our groups.
HR is working immediately with impacted staff to offer severance plan advantages (aligned with native legal guidelines), together with pay, healthcare protection, and job placement assets to help their transition. Workers whose roles had been eradicated are inspired to discover open positions throughout Microsoft Gaming, the place their purposes will likely be given precedence assessment.
Thanks to everybody who has formed our tradition, our merchandise, and our neighborhood. We are going to transfer ahead with deep appreciation and respect for all who’ve contributed to this journey.
I did ask some people I do know at Microsoft and to date I’ve not heard of any layoffs there:
Thanks for checking in! All is okay right here however unhappy for these impacted.
— Microsoft Adverts Buddy (@MSFTAdsBuddy) July 2, 2025
Discussion board dialogue at X.
