Layoff News — January 2025

2 layoff headlines from January 2025.

January 9, 2025 · The Register

Microsoft Starts 2025 With Performance-Based Job Cuts Across Departments

Microsoft began 2025 with a round of performance-based job cuts spanning multiple departments, including its security division, affecting less than 1% of its roughly 228,000 employees. The company confirmed the layoffs but declined to specify an exact number, framing them as part of a focus on 'high-performance talent.' The move echoed a broader industry shift toward managing out lower-rated staff while continuing to invest in AI.

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January 29, 2025 · CNBC

Amazon Cuts a 'Small Number' of Communications and Sustainability Jobs

Amazon eliminated a 'small number' of roles — reported as dozens — across its communications and sustainability units as part of a review of those teams' organizational design. Executive Drew Herdener told staff the groups had 'grown quite a bit' and that some roles introduced unnecessary layers. The move continued CEO Andy Jassy's push to flatten management and reduce bureaucracy.

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