Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Microsoft Faces Backlash After Cutting DEI Team Amid Changing Priorities

- Advertisement -

In a surprising move, Microsoft recently laid off an internal team focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The decision has sparked debate and raised questions about the company’s commitment to its DEI efforts.

Like many tech giants, Microsoft made public commitments to improve diversity and inclusion following the 2020 murder of George Floyd and the subsequent global protests.

These commitments included investing in DEI programs and initiatives.

Also Watch: How GenAI Transforms Hiring and Recruitment, Click Here

However, an internal email sent to thousands of Microsoft employees revealed that the DEI team was eliminated due to “changing business needs” as of July 1. The email, viewed by Business Insider, expressed frustration, stating that “true systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020.”

Microsoft spokesperson said, “We continuously assess whether we have the right structure in place to best serve our customers and fuel growth areas.”

While the exact number of affected employees remains unclear, the move has left many questioning Microsoft’s priorities. DEI leaders within the company expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of sustained efforts to create an inclusive workplace.

A leader from the eliminated DEI team said, “True systems-change work associated with DEI programs everywhere are no longer business critical or smart as they were in 2020.”

Microsoft Layoffs: IT Industry Trends

Microsoft’s decision is not isolated. Other tech companies have also faced criticism for similar moves. Zoom, for instance, recently laid off its DEI team, opting to bring on external consultants instead.

According to Layoffs.fyi, the tech industry has witnessed over 100,000 layoffs in 2024, with some companies redirecting their focus toward artificial intelligence (AI) and automation. Salesforce’s decision to trim its workforce reflects broader industry trends.


Note: We are also on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google News, and YouTube, to get the latest news updates, Subscribe to our Channels. WhatsApp– Click HereGoogle News– Click HereYouTube – Click Here, and LinkedIn– Click Here.

Editorial

Why TCS Deferred FY25 Salary Hike: Better Hike Ahead?

TCS had initially announced its annual salary hike during...

Deloitte, PWC, EY, KPMG to Hire 1 Lakh People in India in FY25

According to estimates from top company officials and industry...

Higher EPS Pension Application Stuck: A Step-by-Step Guide to Fix

Nearly 97,640 Provident Fund (PF) members and pensioners under...

Employee Benefits at India’s Big 4 Firms Deloitte, PwC , EY, KPMG

The Big 4 firms; Deloitte, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), EY (Ernst...

TCS Announces 4-8% Salary Hike for FY25, Lowest in Last 4 Years

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's largest IT services provider,...

Must Read

Cognizant Warns Employees: Defy Work From Office, Face Layoffs

According to Mint, an American multinational information technology services...

Jamia Millia Islamia offers Training Programme on AI and ML

The Department of Computer Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI)...

Stryker India ropes in Rajiv Oza as Country HR Head

Rajiv Oza joins Stryker as Sr. Director- HR (Country...

Capgemini in India is hiring freshers, experienced, WFH jobs, Apply

Capgemini, a French multinational information technology (IT) services and consulting, is hiring for various...

Developing Cultural Intelligence for Global Wellbeing & Talent Sustainability 

Understanding Cultural Intelligence (CI) and Its Impact on Culture...

How Digital Agility is Transforming the Employee Onboarding Experience

Across organisations, recruitment professionals spend many anxious and tiring days...

Piramal Pharma Limited appoints Puneet Rajput as CHRO

The leading Healthcare group, Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL) has appointed...

Over 7 lakh workers returned to India from the six Gulf countries- S Jaishankar

The government is working to ensure that Indian workers...

Related Articles

Sahiba Sharma
Sahiba Sharmahttps://sightsinplus.com/
Sahiba Sharma, Senior Editor - Content at SightsIn Plus