Microsoft is preparing for a new wave of layoffs to reduce costs as it tries to reinforce its leadership in technology by increasing its investments in artificial intelligence. According to the latest information, thousands of employees will be laid off at the beginning of July. Sales teams, in particular, stand out as the primary targets of this new cut.

Microsoft is laying off thousands of people

It is noteworthy that the decision coincides with the end of Microsoft’s fiscal year. Various decisions are made regarding organizational changes and restructuring every year during this period. However, Microsoft has not made any official statement on the subject for now.

This development came after Microsoft’s wave of layoffs of 6,000 people in May. The cuts during that period were mostly aimed at product development and engineering teams. Positions that come into direct contact with customers, such as sales and marketing, were largely preserved.

However, these balances are changing in the new wave. The sales department is at the center of the downsizing. In April, the company informed its employees that it planned to transfer some of its software sales aimed at small and medium-sized businesses to outsourcing companies. This step is considered part of the company’s efforts to make its internal structure simpler.

Microsoft has approximately 228 thousand employees worldwide. About 45 thousand of this number work in the sales and marketing departments. It is expected that layoffs will be concentrated especially in this segment.

Thus, Microsoft aims to continue to grow in the field of artificial intelligence and reduce the operational burden brought by this growth. So what do you think about this issue? You can share your views with us in the comments section below.