Adtech regulation a priority for Modi govt in third term: MoS Rajeev Chandrasekhar

Credibility of news and platforms are as important as monetisation challenges: Anurag Thakur

HUL: Meet the leaders who have emerged from "The CEO Factory"

Punit Goenka addresses Zee employees; ensures no layoffs due to failed merger

Disney's strategic sale to Viacom18 set to boost market share to 40 percent

The Leader's Edge: Storyboard18 in conversation with leaders, decision makers and disruptors

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Header Menu

Latest News

Brand Makers

Gaming News

Brand Marketing

Media News

Special Coverage

Header Sub Menu

Digital Entertainment Summit

Delhi Literature Fest

Share the Spotlight

Global Pioneers Summit

Power of Purpose

The Visionaries

DNPA

About Us

Hamburger Menu

Quantum Brief

#FreeOurSkylines

Watch.Listen

Advertising

Agency News

Media

Interviews

Microsoft will cut about 9,000 jobs, its second major round of layoffs this year, as the technology giant moves to streamline operations and rein in costs while investing heavily in artificial intelligence. The reductions, which represent less than 4 percent of Microsoft’s global workforce, will affect employees across teams, regions and levels of seniority, according to reports. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/intel-layoffs-2025-chipmaker-to-shut-automotive-division-lay-off-most-employees-in-the-unit-72093.htm">Intel layoffs 2025: Chipmaker to shut automotive division, lay off most employees in the unit</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/rose-and-redundancies-big-tech-big-ad-spend-and-the-cost-of-cannes-amid-mass-layoffs-70945.htm">Rosé and redundancies: Big tech, big ad spend, and the cost of Cannes amid mass layoffs</a>


Microsoft said the reductions would affect teams across its global operations, including its sales organization and Xbox gaming division.

“We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace,” the company said.

The layoffs, which follow the elimination of about 6,000 positions in May, come as Microsoft, like many of its peers, confronts the ballooning costs of competing in the AI arms race. The company has spent tens of billions of dollars on data centers and infrastructure to support its ambitions in artificial intelligence, even as it has pledged that it would remain disciplined on expenses.

As previously reported, the latest layoffs would target sales teams and divisions including Xbox. Microsoft had 228,000 employees at the end of June 2024, including 45,000 in sales and marketing roles. 

Amidst these layoffs, the company’s top sales executive, Judson Althoff, is set to begin a two-month sabbatical in July. Microsoft has said the leave was previously planned and that Althoff is expected to return in September.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/microsoft-to-lay-off-hundreds-in-xbox-division-amid-restructuring-push-71865.htm">Read more: Microsoft to lay off hundreds in Xbox division amid restructuring push</a>



Big Tech Layoffs: Microsoft to lay off 9,000 people in bid to rein in costs amid AI push

For Microsoft employees, the start of 2025 has proved to be rather dim. The company has confirmed a small round of job cuts across various departments, according to a report by CNBC. Microsoft stated that these layoffs are performance-based, targeting employees who haven’t met expectations.

“At Microsoft, we prioritise high-performing talent,” a company spokesperson told CNBC. “We are constantly focused on helping people learn and grow. When individuals are not performing, we take the necessary action.”

The report suggests that around 1% of Microsoft’s global workforce is being let go in this latest round of layoffs. As of June 2024, Microsoft employed approximately 2.28 lakh people worldwide. This is not the first time Microsoft has reduced its workforce. In 2023, the company announced a large-scale layoff of 10,000 employees, marking the start of its restructuring efforts. While job cuts have continued since then, the pace has slowed compared to the initial wave.

The broader tech industry also saw significant layoffs in 2024, with lakhs of jobs lost globally. Companies like Google and Microsoft had already warned employees about job reductions. Although it’s still early days for 2025, Microsoft’s latest layoffs may signal further workforce adjustments in the months to come.

MICROSOFT