Microsoft to lay off 18,000

Microsoft is putting plans in motion to let go of up to 18,000 employees over the next year, the company announced on Thursday.

More from Technology

In a post on Microsoft’s website, chief executive officer Satya Nadella laid out the plans that have been expected for quite some time. The majority of the cuts will come from positions inside the recently acquired Nokia devices and services divisions; they are expected to be in the range of 12,500.

The changes, according to Nadella, were necessary in order to make Microsoft become “more agile and move faster.” Those who will be let go as part of the process will be notified within six months as the company is already beginning to trim its workforce of over 130,000 people.

“Making these decisions to change are difficult, but necessary,” he said.

The possible 18,000-person lay off is the largest in the history of the Redmond, Washington-based hardware and software giant. The company previously cut 5,800 people back in 2009.

According to ZDNet, the rest of the “up to 18,000” employees that will be let go will come from number of divisions inside Microsoft.

Nadella added that he will reveal more details on the massive lay offs during Microsoft’s public earnings call on Tuesday, July 22. He also stated that though the company is letting go a large number of employees in certain areas, Microsoft is adding positions in others.

The company has promised severance and job transition support to all impacted employees.

Sound off FanSiders! What do you think about the number of cuts coming to Microsoft? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Mike’s Musings: No one ever wants to see someone lose their jobs. It — obviously — has a major toll on the person who was let go, but also that person’s family. Hopefully everyone impacted by the cuts will be able to get back on their feet sooner rather than later in the form of new work.