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Microsoft Lays Off Most People Ever

Cutting 18,000 this year.

Microsoft announced Thursday its biggest cuts in employees ever, as it plans to shed 18,000 jobs this year. Most of the cuts are coming from the Nokia Devices and Services unit, as Microsoft works to mesh the two companies after its acquisition was completed in April. With roughly 127,104 employees, the cuts represent a nearly 15 percent reduction. “The first step to building the right organization for our ambitions is to realign our workforce,” new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said in a note to employees. “It’s important to note that while we are eliminating roles in some areas, we are adding roles in certain other strategic areas. My promise to you is that we will go through this process in the most thoughtful and transparent way possible.” Microsoft says it is “moving now” on 13,000 of those job cuts, and that most of the cuts will come in the next six months.