Microsoft Fires 6000 Employees; Changes Rehiring Policy

Tech giant Microsoft has decided to slash total headcount by 3%, which totals to 6000 employees. This is being carried out to improve operational efficiency. This is the second-biggest round of firings in the company’s history. However, Microsoft is not only focussing on making changes internally, it is revamping its rehiring policy.

While Microsoft is laying off a huge chunk of its global workforce, it’s making it tougher for few of these people to come back. As per reports, the company placed a two-year rehire ban for employees who are fired due to weak performance. As per Business Insider, Microsoft is calling the move “good attrition” and their documents speak of these purported changes. In simple terms, Microsoft wants these people to leave and is happy when they do.

Microsoft is reportedly taking a tough stance on underperforming employees by offering them two options. First, they can voluntarily opt for a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), under which they will receive a defined timeline and expectations for improvement. Alternatively, they can choose to resign by accepting a “Global Voluntary Separation Agreement,” which entitles them to 16 weeks of severance pa

According to an official statement from Microsoft, these “organisational changes [are] necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace.”