Microsoft layoffs: My husband worked 25 years, rarely took leave, but was laid off by algorithm, says wife in viral post
Microsoft has laid off about 6,000 employees, or roughly 3% of its global workforce, as part of its efforts to streamline operations and accelerate its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. The company confirmed the layoffs on Tuesday, May 13, describing them as a move to 'remove unnecessary layers of management' while investing in AI.
Job cuts affect multiple teams globally
This is Microsoft's second-largest job reduction in history. The layoffs span various departments, geographies, and levels. Software engineers accounted for a significant portion, with over 2,000 roles eliminated in Washington state alone, according to Bloomberg. The company said the restructuring aims to automate routine tasks and allow employees to focus on high-value work.
Personal stories emerge from laid-off employees
Among those affected was a Microsoft employee with 25 years of service. According to a post by his wife on Reddit, he was laid off after being 'randomly selected by a computer algorithm' just days before his 48th birthday. She wrote, 'My husband has worked for Microsoft for 25 years. He was just laid off, randomly selected by a computer algorithm. His last day is this Friday, his 48th birthday.'
She added that he is autistic and has multiple sclerosis but rarely took sick leave, worked long hours, and mentored colleagues. 'Never missed a day of work. Rarely called in sick (and would then work from home). Worked 60+ hours a week. Took on-call shifts during Christmas and Thanksgiving so coworkers with children could be home. He never asked for raises or promotions — he just kept showing up and solving impossible problems.'
The post continued, 'I don't need pity. I just need someone to know what this world does to the people who give it everything — quietly, consistently, and without ever asking for more.'
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AI director's departure also draws attention
Gabriela de Queiroz
, Director of Artificial Intelligence for Microsoft for Startups, also confirmed her exit following the layoffs. She wrote on X, 'I was impacted by Microsoft's latest round of layoffs. Am I sad? Absolutely. I'm heartbroken to see so many talented people I've had the honor of working with being let go. These are people who cared deeply, went above and beyond, and truly made a difference.'
Though she was asked to stop work and set an out-of-office message, she continued attending meetings and wrapping up her tasks. 'I chose to stay a little longer—showing up for meetings, saying goodbye, wrapping up what I could. That felt right to me,' she added.
Despite the irony of her role being cut during Microsoft's increased AI investment, de Queiroz remained optimistic. 'But if you know me, you know I always look at the bright side. I'm an optimist at heart. That hasn't changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift — that's all still here,' she wrote.
Criticism over algorithmic layoffs and company approach
The layoffs triggered criticism on social media, with some users questioning Microsoft's reliance on automated layoff tools. One user said, 'This is why no one should be loyal to an employer,' while another commented, 'It would be interesting to know how many of the people chosen by this algorithm are over forty and/or have expensive health problems.'
A third added, 'I wouldn't expect anything different from a company like Microsoft.'
Company says layoffs aim to boost AI readiness
Microsoft explained that the layoffs support its transition toward greater AI integration across its products and services. In April, CEO
Satya Nadella
revealed that AI now writes up to 30% of code in certain projects. A vice president also urged teams to increase AI-generated code from 20-30% to 50%, shortly before more than a dozen engineers were let go.
De Queiroz addressed others impacted, saying, 'To those also affected—you're not alone. We are at least 6,000.'
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