Technology giant Microsoft (MSFT) has announced several job cuts as part of what it calls a
“structural adjustment” to its global operations.
The headcount reductions impact less than 1% of the Seattle-based company’s 180,000-person
workforce, and includes consulting, customer service, and partner solution positions spread
around the world.
Microsoft said the layoffs will enable it to realign its business after the close of its fiscal year on
June 30. The company said it plans to keep hiring for other roles and finish the current fiscal
year with an increased number of employees worldwide.
“Like all companies, we evaluate our business priorities on a regular basis, and make structural
adjustments accordingly,” Microsoft said in a written statement.
Microsoft usually announces job cuts after the July 4th holiday weekend in the U.S. as it makes
changes for the new fiscal year.
In May of this year, Microsoft announced that it is slowing hiring in its Windows and Office
groups, citing a worsening economic outlook.
So far this year, Microsoft’s stock has declined 20% to trade at $264.51 U.S. per share.