Microsoft Lays Off Employees Under Product, Program Management

Microsoft removed another set of employees, affecting its product and program management roles, during its latest round of workforce reduction.

The tech giant has been conducting several rounds of layoffs after its workforce population ballooned during the pandemic.

Microsoft Restructures After Ending Fiscal Year 2024

Microsoft shared in a statement that organizational and workforce adjustments are part of the regular maintenance of the business. The company had concluded its fiscal year 2024 last June 30.

A common practice among tech companies is to restructure before a new fiscal year. Microsoft revealed that it is continuously investing in strategic growth for its customers and partners.

Last month, Microsoft sacked 1,000 jobs which affected the Azure cloud unit and HoloLens mixed-reality organization. In addition, 2,000 jobs were earlier dismissed under the gaming unit amid the Activision Blizzard acquisition.

Microsoft Settles Allegation of Employee Discrimination, Retaliation

Microsoft has agreed to pay $14.4 million to settle the investigation involving retaliation and discrimination against employees who took protected leave. The announcement of the settlement coincided with the company's new rounds of layoffs.

The probe has been ongoing since 2020 after employees complained of receiving lower bonuses and unfavorable performance reviews for taking leaves. The situation made it hard for the employees to compete for promotions and merit pay increases.

Each eligible employee is set to receive a base payment of $1,500. Any additional merit will be given based on the salary and length of employment.

Part of the settlement involves employees under Microsoft who worked from May 13, 2017, to an undetermined date and who took at least one protected leave. The court has yet to approve the settlement and its coverage.