Diversity Takes a Backseat as a Microsoft DEI Team Is Laid Off

In the latest updates to the job cuts occurring this year, one of Microsoft’s DEI teams has just been let go. DEI job cuts have grown in number since 2023, and Microsoft is not the first company to make the move, however, the increasing number of cuts is causing employees to become concerned. The decision came to light after the team lead sent out an email to other staff members at the organization, sharing their thoughts on the move. 

Microsoft’s DEI cuts don’t stand in isolation as the company has been making significant changes to its workforce this year. The company’s shift in AI prioritization and its decision to close unproductive units of its business has led to several job cuts at the organization and the DEI team is likely another part of the same strategy.

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Microsoft’s DEI Team Doesn’t Take Too Kindly to the Layoffs

Business Insider was the first to report Microsoft’s decision to lay off its DEI team after they gained access to an internal email that the former team lead sent out to staff. The specifics of the decision are unclear as the exact scale of the layoff hasn’t been disclosed by the company and we do not have any updates on whether there are other DEI teams that have been affected by the layoff. The DEI team that was laid off learned about the company’s decision in an email that stated they were being eliminated because of “changing business needs.” 

Microsoft has not expanded on this decision publicly, although Jeff Jones, a spokesperson for the company provided BI with a statement, “Our D&I commitments remain unchanged. Our focus on diversity and inclusion is unwavering and we are holding firm on our expectations, prioritizing accountability, and continuing to focus on this work.” The statement indicates that Microsoft has no plans to cut down on its DEI investments entirely, but we’re still uncertain about how the company aims to showcase its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The leader of the Microsoft DEI team does not appear convinced about the company’s commitment, indicating that this move was the start of an industry-wide shift away from DEI. “True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020.” The team lead indicated that the DEI job cuts were “purposeful and strategic” and more businesses would soon reevaluate their path forward.

Microsoft DEI Cuts Follow Other Big Industry Names Like Google and Meta

Microsoft layoffs have not solely centered around DEI, and although it could be indicative of a company-wide shift in strategy, we have to acknowledge that the company has made a few big cuts this year. Microsoft laid off over 1,900 employees from its gaming division earlier, and in the last few weeks, a few more long-term employees from the Xbox division opened up on social media to confirm they had also been axed from their teams. Additionally, employees from the HoloLens division and Azure teams were also laid off as a part of the company’s restructuring efforts.

Stepping away from Microsoft layoffs, however, DEI programs at other organizations have also fallen prey to downsizing. In December 2023, CNBC reported that Google and Meta had made some big cuts to staffers and programs that fell under their DEI investments. Both companies shared a statement expressing their commitment to DEI and “equitable and fair practices,” but they did not dispute the claims made in the report.

Later in February 2024, Snap, Inc. also went ahead with their layoff plans, and employees who worked in HR to promote the company’s diversity efforts were also among those affected. Similarly, Zoom also cut approximately 150 jobs at the company, and its DEI team was among those laid off. 

From Microsoft’s DEI team to the other DEI job cuts we’ve seen recently, there does appear to be a trend away from DEI initiatives in favor of other investments—a trend that could put organizations at odds with their employees. Just how much of an impact this shift away from DEI has will only be revealed in the long run.

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