Microsoft has announced its plans to lay off 689 employees at its Redmond headquarters and nearby offices. The decision comes as part of a wider cost-cutting program announced earlier in the year, with the company aiming to cut 10,000 jobs.
According to data released by the Washington State Department of Employment Guarantee, the latest round of layoffs will affect Redmond, Bellevue, and Issaquah employees. The cuts have hit teams across Visual Studio for Mac, Entertainment and Devices, Azure Edge + Platform, and other areas. Employees laid off will receive two months’ severance pay, six months’ medical reimbursement, re-employment assistance and other guarantees.
This latest round of layoffs comes amidst financial results that suggest low levels of revenue growth and other problems that many businesses have had to face. Microsoft is not the only technology company to have announced layoffs recently; other companies include Google, Meta, Amazon, Lenovo, and Ericsson.
The layoffs at Microsoft follow similar announcements by other technology companies as the industry continues to face economic problems. While the news is undoubtedly difficult for those affected, Microsoft’s move is part of a wider effort to ensure the company can operate effectively in a challenging economic climate.
