Microsoft to lay off nearly 5,000 employees

Microsoft Corporation, considered a leader in the global technology market, has announced the layoff of approximately 4,800 employees as part of an effort to streamline its operations. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

This figure represents about 2.1 percent of the company’s total workforce. The decision comes at a time when artificial intelligence technologies are rapidly advancing and demand for traditional roles is shifting, sparking widespread debate within the industry.

According to reports, the cuts primarily affect the gaming and sales divisions. Company leadership explained this significant step as a response to sharp changes in market demand and customer needs.

Internal documents emphasize that, due to global technological shifts, restructuring the business model has become necessary. While official statements do not directly claim that employees are being replaced by artificial intelligence, it is widely acknowledged that new technologies are fundamentally transforming work processes.

Going forward, certain routine tasks are expected to be automated through intelligent systems, requiring employees to acquire new skills. Analysts suggest that Microsoft’s move is directly tied to its new strategic direction.

The company has established a new division focused on deploying artificial intelligence solutions for corporate clients, to which it has allocated substantial investment. This confirms a broader trend observed in the technology sector: large corporations are redirecting funds saved from workforce reductions toward developing modern technological infrastructure.

Changes in the gaming and engineering divisions further reflect the complex situation in the industry, as the company reorganizes its business to achieve long-term success.

Not only sales, but also engineering teams are being forced to adapt to customer demands and reassess their priorities in preparation for future innovations, indicating intensifying competition in the field.

Such decisions by major corporations like Microsoft carry important signals on a global scale — including for emerging markets such as Uzbekistan. Global changes are beginning to require not only programming skills from local IT specialists, but also proficiency in effectively using artificial intelligence tools.

Overall, these steps represent a significant stage in the company’s transition from a traditional software producer to a fully AI-based system.