With just one month into 2025, US-based tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and others have started job cuts and cost-cutting measures. The latest to jump on the layoff bandwagon is Microsoft, which has reportedly started laying off people based on their performance. According to Business Insider, which recently came across termination letters, employees who lose their jobs in this lay-off wave will lose their healthcare benefits immediately. Citing people familiar with the situation, the publication also claimed that in three cases, employees did not get severance. "The reason(s) for the termination of your employment include your job performance has not met minimum performance standards and expectations for your position. You are relieved of all job duties effective immediately and your access to Microsoft systems, accounts, and buildings will be removed effective today. You are not to perform any further work on behalf of Microsoft," one of the letters viewed by the publication states. While this may come as a surprise for outsiders, the publication claims that Microsoft had been evaluating the performance of employees up to level 80, one of the highest levels in the company. However, this may not hurt the overall headcount as the tech giant is known to quickly fill vacant roles. Earlier this month, the US giant laid off people in organisations like sales, gaming, Security, Experiences and Devices, but those job cuts may not be linked to performance. A few hours ago, Google also gave employees who were part of the Android and Pixel to leave voluntarily, guaranteeing them a severance package.
