Microsoft Plans Third Round of Layoffs This Year – Sales Teams May Be Most Affected

Tech giant Microsoft is reportedly preparing for another major round of job cuts. After already announcing two rounds of layoffs earlier this year, sources say the company is now planning a third phase, with an official announcement expected in early July.

This time, the layoffs are likely to impact employees in the sales department more than other teams. The decision is said to be part of Microsoft’s internal restructuring and increased investment in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The company’s new financial year begins in July, and restructuring efforts are being sped up accordingly.

Earlier this year in May, Microsoft laid off nearly 6,000 employees, followed by another 300+ job cuts shortly after. Those affected included software engineers and product developers. Now, sales teams are expected to be the main target. As of June last year, Microsoft had around 2,28,000 employees globally, with about 45,000 working in sales and marketing. In January 2023, the company had also removed nearly 10,000 employees. These ongoing changes have caused serious concern among Microsoft staff.