Microsoft layoffs: Microsoft has cut more than 15000 jobs across multiple divisions in several rounds of massive layoffs and has asked the rest of its employees to invest in AI skilling. The Redmond-based tech giant has urged workers to invest in your own AI skilling The Information reported citing the companys internal communications. As per the report Microsoft eliminated over 15000 jobs in at least four major rounds of layoffs in 2025 including cutting 9000 positions in the latest round that focused on its Xbox gaming division and sales teams. Earlier Microsoft had sacked 6000 workers in May followed by more workforce reductions in June. Why Microsoft made AI mandatory for employees? Microsoft plans to replace its sales force which was primarily targeted in the latest round of layoffs with more technical solutions engineers who can demonstrate AI tools directly to customers. In an internal memo sent a day before the latest Microsoft layoffs the companys sales chief Judson Althoff who is reportedly on an 8-week sabbatical outlined Microsofts plans to become the Frontier AI Firm and establish a Copilot on every device and across every role. According to a Business Insider report Microsoft has made AI usage mandatory in the performance review of employees. Recently Julia Liuson president of Microsofts Developer Division directed managers that AI usage should be part of your holistic reflections on an individuals performance and impact the report said. AI [usage) is no longer optional — its core to every role and every level read an internal email sent by Liuson to managers. As per the report Microsoft is mulling to add formal formal AI usage metrics to performance reviews to force greater adoption of its Copilot AI services. Various teams are exploring specific AI usage benchmarks in next fiscal years employee evaluations sources said according to the report. How Microsofts AI push is threatening more jobs? Microsoft is reportedly planning to invest a staggering $80 billion in 2025 to develop more AI infrastructure aimed at expanding the companys AI capabilities and rolling out its Copilot AI assistants across various platforms and services. However this shift in priorities is threatening various roles within the company especially in product development and engineering which are being restructured or gradually phased out.