Following the path of other multi-tech companies like Twitter, Google, and Facebook, Microsoft announced on Wednesday night that it has decided to fire 10,000 employees, which is around 5% of its total workforce.   

It was announced that while some of the employees will be notified of their job loss immediately, other job cuts will happen eventually in the coming months and days. The move was announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. In an extensive blog post, he explained the reason behind the drastic decision taken by the company, saying it was necessary so that the company could focus on short-term and long-term opportunities.

Also Read | Why is Microsoft laying off over 10,000 employees?

“We’re living through times of significant change, and as I meet with customers and partners, a few things are clear. First, as we saw customers accelerate their digital spend during the pandemic, we’re now seeing them optimize their digital spend to do more with less. We’re also seeing organizations in every industry and geography exercise caution as some parts of the world are in a recession and other parts are anticipating one. At the same time, the next major wave of computing is being born with advances in AI, as we’re turning the world’s most advanced models into a new computing platform,” Nadella wrote. 

Nadella also made it amply clear that the fired employees will receive every kind of support from the tech company because they believe in treating people with “dignity and respect, and act transparently” as they “impact people and people’s lives – our colleagues and friends.”

Also Read | Why Meta, Microsoft vacated offices in Seattle, Bellevue, and Washington

The following is the list of benefits being offered to Microsoft employees who have already or will be losing their jobs soon. The following are for those workers who are US-benefit eligible:

1) Above-market severance pay

2) Continuing healthcare coverage for six months

3) Continued vesting of stock awards for six months,

4) Career transition services

5) 60 days notice prior to termination, regardless of whether such notice is legally required.

Benefits for employees outside the U.S. will align with be in accordance to employment laws in each country.