Microsoft to Cut 9,000 Jobs in Second Major Layoff Wave

Microsoft announced on Wednesday a new wave of layoffs affecting thousands of employees globally—its second mass job cut in recent months.

While the company did not disclose the exact number, it confirmed the figure would be under 4% of its workforce from a year ago, which translates to around 9,000 roles, according to the Associated Press.

The layoffs will span several departments, including sales and the Xbox gaming division. “We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace,” Microsoft said in a statement. It also noted that workforce adjustments are a regular part of its operations, even in stable times.

Bloomberg reported that the cuts include about 200 employees—10% of staff—at Stockholm-based King, the developer of Candy Crush. Other European offices, including ZeniMax, have also begun informing workers of job reductions.

The company previously laid off roughly 6,000 employees in May, marking its second-largest round of layoffs since 2023, when it cut around 10,000 positions amid a strategic shift toward artificial intelligence.

In April, Microsoft announced plans to outsource more software sales for small and mid-sized businesses to third-party firms. The company emphasized it routinely reviews its structure to ensure alignment with long-term growth goals.

As of June 2024, Microsoft employed around 228,000 people worldwide.