The wave of layoffs seems to continue unabated. Redmond-based tech giant Microsoft has reportedly laid off about 40 of its Washington-based employees. The fresh round of layoffs comes at a time when Microsoft has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI). Although fewer in number, the latest cuts were across the company, the company said.
The latest layoffs were reportedly disclosed by the PC software giant in a state filing. These are different from Microsoft’s earlier announcements where it axed thousands of jobs from its workforce across geographies. In May, Microsoft announced that it was handing over pink slips to more than 6,000 of its workers. Similarly, at the start of July, Microsoft announced that it was laying off an additional 9,000 workers.
So far, Microsoft has cut close to 3,200 jobs in Washington alone this year, including Monday’s layoffs. According to The Seattle Times, a Microsoft spokesperson said that organisational and workforce changes were necessary and a regular part of managing the business. They added that the company will continue to prioritise and invest in strategic growth areas for its future and in support of its customers and partners.
In July, Microsoft released its financial results for its most recent fiscal quarter (May to June), and it exceeded Wall Street estimates. The company went on to report $76.4 billion in revenue with $27.2 billion in profit. This is the company’s highest year-over-year growth in more than two years. The high profits coincided with a time when Microsoft announced historic layoffs.