Microsoft Makes AI Tool Usage Mandatory After Laying Off 15,000 Employees
Key Highlights:
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Microsoft has laid off over 15,000 employees in recent months.
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Remaining staff are now required to use AI tools like Copilot, which will directly influence performance evaluations.
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Company leadership calls AI usage “fundamental” to every role and level.
AI Use Now a Core Job Requirement
Microsoft is making it clear: using AI is no longer optional. In a recent internal message, Julia Liuson, President of Microsoft’s Developer Division, told employees that AI tools are now as critical to job success as communication or collaboration.
“AI is now a fundamental part of how we work,” she wrote. “Using AI is no longer optional – it’s core to every role and every level.”
Managers are reportedly being instructed to evaluate employees based on their AI usage, with some teams implementing formal usage metrics tied to tools like Microsoft Copilot.
Internal Use of Copilot Still Low
Despite extensive promotion, internal adoption of Copilot has not met expectations. This is especially problematic for Microsoft as rival AI tools like Cursor and Replit gain popularity.
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Microsoft allows limited use of external tools, but is now pushing employees to incorporate its own AI systems into daily work.
Controversial Suggestion for Laid-Off Employees
After the layoffs, a now-deleted LinkedIn post by Xbox Game Studios’ executive producer Matt Turnbull stirred controversy. He suggested that laid-off employees could turn to AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot for:
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Writing resumes and LinkedIn bios
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Managing stress during job searches
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Reframing negative self-talk
While he acknowledged the irony of suggesting AI after an AI-driven layoff, many saw the message as tone-deaf and poorly timed.
Microsoft’s Position on Layoffs
Microsoft has defended the layoffs as part of a larger strategic restructuring. In an internal memo, leadership emphasized the need to realign teams for the future of AI and long-term goals.
Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, said the cuts aim to streamline operations and sharpen the company’s focus.
Conclusion
As Microsoft doubles down on AI, the message is clear: adapt or fall behind. AI tools like Copilot are no longer just productivity enhancers — they are now a requirement for staying competitive within the company.
While the shift highlights Microsoft’s commitment to AI innovation, it also raises questions about workplace pressure, job security, and the human cost of technological progress.
