Microsoft Job Cuts To Impact Hundreds More Eastside Workers

REDMOND, WA — More Puget Sound workers will soon be out of a job at Microsoft after the company disclosed layoffs impacting more than 600 employees at offices in Redmond, Bellevue and Issaquah.

The second round of local layoffs follows Microsoft's announcement last month that it planned to cut 10,000 jobs, roughly 5 percent of its global workforce, including hundreds of positions on the Eastside.

In a blog post in January, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella outlined a shift in strategy amid economic uncertainty and changing consumer habits.

"It's important to note that while we are eliminating roles in some areas, we will continue to hire in key strategic areas," Nadella said. "We know this is a challenging time for each person impacted. The senior leadership team and I are committed that as we go through this process, we will do so in the most thoughtful and transparent way possible."

According to the Employment Security Department, the first round of job cuts will take effect in late March, followed by the second round in early April, impacting a combined 1,495 Puget Sound workers.

With an estimated 50,000 workers in Washington, Microsoft is one of the state's top 10 largest employers. According to the Associated Press, the Redmond-based company's global workforce grew from 163,000 to 221,000 between June 2020 and 2021.