Microsoft is weighing fresh layoffs that could affect thousands of employees across its global workforce, according to Business Insider.
The planned reduction is expected to stay below 2.5% of staff, making it smaller than last year’s cuts.
Sales, consulting and Xbox roles are expected to be among the areas affected.
Microsoft is trying to manage costs while increasing its spending on artificial intelligence (AI).
The company began its new fiscal year on 1 July, a period when it has previously made workforce changes.
Business Insider said an announcement could come as soon as next week, although the timing may change. Some employees could be shifted into other positions.
Microsoft cut about 6,000 jobs in May last year and another 9,000 in July.
The latest plan follows a voluntary retirement programme offered to some US employees earlier this year.
The offer applied to staff at level 67 and below whose age and years of service reached at least 70.
About a third of those eligible accepted it, while commission-based sales staff were excluded, according to the report.
Microsoft shares fell sharply in June as investors weighed the company’s AI spending plans and the possible disruption of traditional software businesses.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by hryshchyshen via Magnific
