Microsoft layoffs will impact about 700 people the week of January 22, according to the Seattle Times. The job cuts are part of a layoff plan that Microsoft announced in 2016.
Microsoft originally disclosed plans to cut about 2,850 jobs in July 2016. The latest 700 cuts, coming this week, are part of that 2,850 figure. Microsoft expects to complete the 2,850 cuts by June 2017, the company said last year.
The cuts are relatively small, considering Microsoft employs more than 110,000 people worldwide. As a one-time layoff victim myself, I realize that statement is of little consolidation to those who are about to lose their jobs.
Microsoft Quarterly Results, Partner and Sales Reorganization
Microsoft is expected to announce its latest quarterly results on Thursday, January 26. The company apparently reorganized its partner and sales organization ahead of the earnings call, according to Mary Jo Foley. Microsoft confirmed the report's accuracy to ChannelE2E. Referring to that reorganization, a Microsoft spokesperson said:
"These changes are designed to unify teams from across the Commercial Business, making it easier to do business with Microsoft and meet the needs of its thriving partner ecosystem and customer base.”
Among the company's core priorities: Continuing to boost cloud gross margins, which steadily improved in 2016 as Microsoft's Office 365 and Azure businesses accelerated.
