In a major workforce shakeup, Microsoft has laid off 6,000 employees—roughly 3% of its global workforce—marking the company’s largest round of job cuts since 2023. Among the affected is Gabriela de Queiroz, Director of AI at Microsoft for Startups, whose heartfelt social media post captured the emotional toll of the tech industry’s ongoing volatility.
A Wave of Layoffs Hits Microsoft’s Global Workforce
In what industry observers are calling Microsoft’s most significant internal restructuring in two years, the tech giant has let go of 6,000 employees across various divisions. Though the company has not publicly confirmed the exact roles impacted, posts on professional networks reveal that teams spanning cloud infrastructure, product development, and AI were among those hit.
One of the most visible departures was Gabriela de Queiroz, a well-known figure in the AI community who served as Director of AI – Microsoft for Startups. Her departure adds a high-profile face to the layoff round, underlining the far-reaching effects of Microsoft’s move.
“Bittersweet news to share: I was impacted by Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs,” she wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Having joined Microsoft in 2022 as a Principal Cloud Advocate, Queiroz quickly ascended into a leadership role in the company’s AI startup ecosystem by 2023. Her exit came as a surprise to many in the community.
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Abrupt Farewells, Unfinished Work
In her thread, Queiroz revealed the sudden nature of the layoffs, saying employees were instructed to “stop work immediately and set an out-of-office.” She, however, chose to attend a few last meetings, say her goodbyes, and wrap up unfinished tasks—“That felt right to me,” she wrote.
The abrupt notifications and lack of transition time are raising concerns about how major tech companies are managing internal offboarding, especially when dealing with leaders who were actively shaping next-gen initiatives like AI integration, cloud advocacy, and startup incubation.
Her post also paid tribute to colleagues:
“These are people who cared deeply, went above and beyond, and truly made a difference.”
The layoffs, while explained internally as part of strategic alignment and cost-efficiency, have sparked discussions about morale and the unpredictable nature of tech employment, especially in high-growth sectors like AI.
Human Resilience Amid Corporate Realignment
Despite the loss, Queiroz’s tone remained notably hopeful. “I’m an optimist at heart. That hasn’t changed. My smile, my gratitude, my belief that each day is a gift—that’s all still here,” she concluded in her message to peers and followers.
She also offered solidarity to others affected by the layoffs:
“To those also affected—you’re not alone. We are at least 6,000.”
The emotional impact of her message has resonated widely, serving as a stark reminder that even as artificial intelligence reshapes the future of work, the human toll behind workforce restructuring remains very real.
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Looking Ahead
As Microsoft continues to prioritize AI-driven services and infrastructure, the loss of key talent like Queiroz raises questions about leadership continuity and strategic clarity. Meanwhile, the affected employees—6,000 strong—will now navigate a tech job market that remains turbulent amid ongoing global uncertainty.