Microsoft Layoffs: Firm's DEI Team Firing Spark Internal Criticism; Laid-Off Leader Criticises The Move

Microsoft Layoffs: According to Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones, the company's dedication to diversity and inclusion initiatives remains steadfast

Microsoft Layoffs: A leader from the disbanded team voiced strong criticism of the decision in an email sent to thousands of Microsoft employees

Source : Pexels

Microsoft Layoffs: Microsoft has fired an internal team dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), explaining that this decision was driven by "changing business needs,” according to a recent report by Business Insider. The recent layoffs, which became effective on July 1, have ignited considerable controversy and discussion among employees within the company.

The decision comes even though Microsoft had previously committed to enhancing diversity initiatives, such as a pledge made in 2020 to double the representation of Black and African-American leaders within the company by 2025. However, the current status of progress on this initiative is not clear right now.

A leader from the disbanded team voiced strong criticism of the decision in an email sent to thousands of Microsoft employees. He argued that the team's role is now deemed non-essential for the company, stating, "True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020," as reported by the publication.

According to Microsoft spokesperson Jeff Jones, the company's dedication to diversity and inclusion initiatives remains steadfast. Jones affirmed, "Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering and we are holding firm on our expectations, prioritising accountability, and continuing to focus on this work," as said in a statement to Business Insider.

This reduction in DEI personnel reflects a more significant pattern observed across the tech sector as the industry grapples with a difficult time after a boom in the pandemic. Reports indicate that companies such as Zoom, Google, and Meta have similarly scaled back their diversity initiatives in recent months.

Microsoft's layoffs are part of the company's routine annual workforce adjustments, typically timed around the beginning of its fiscal year. However, Microsoft has been engaging in more frequent rounds of job reductions lately, including a substantial cut of 10,000 employees announced in early 2023.