Microsoft plans Further Layoffs Amid⁤ AI Investment Push

‍ ⁤ ‌ ⁣ ⁣Updated ‌June 18, 2025

Microsoft is reportedly preparing for another round of layoffs, potentially impacting ‌thousands of employees, as the company increases its investment in‍ artificial intelligence. The Redmond, Wash., tech giant previously cut 3% of⁣ its workforce, or about 6,000 employees, in May, citing a need ⁢for ‌organizational ⁤changes in a dynamic market.

Sources indicate that the upcoming Microsoft layoffs will ⁤primarily ‌affect sales teams. Though, other departments may also experience workforce reductions.The timing of‍ the announcement remains ‌subject to change.

Microsoft ⁣corporate campus in Redmond, Washington

In april, Microsoft announced a shift​ toward relying more on third-party firms ​to handle software sales to small adn medium-sized businesses. The exact number of employees affected by this strategic shift remains unclear. Even a single-digit‍ percentage⁤ layoff would impact thousands of‌ professional careers.

Earlier‌ this year, in January 2023, Microsoft eliminated 10,000 positions, representing 5% of‍ its workforce at the time. Engineering and product teams bore the brunt of the May 2025 layoffs. The January cuts heavily impacted teams, ‌including those focused⁤ on Mixed Reality (MR) efforts.

The⁣ timing of the potential announcement is ⁣noteworthy, as it could occur shortly after ‍the‌ close of ⁢Microsoft’s fiscal year at the end of June. The company ‍continues ⁣to report billions in revenue each ⁣quarter, raising ⁢questions about ⁤the human cost of profit.

What’s next

Industry analysts will be watching⁢ closely ‍to see how these potential layoffs ​impact Microsoft’s ability to compete in the rapidly evolving artificial⁣ intelligence landscape. The company’s next earnings report will provide further insight into its financial performance and strategic ⁢direction.