Microsoft is said to have eliminated one of its teams focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion, which has raised doubts about the company’s commitment to these values. An internal email from a former team leader said that the layoffs happened on July 1 because of “changing business needs.”
The exact number of employees affected isn’t known. The email also claimed that the company’s leaders had been investigated for issues like discrimination and harassment.
In response to the allegations, a Microsoft spokesperson emphasized that the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion remains unchanged.
The spokesperson stated that Microsoft’s focus on DEI is unwavering and that the company continues to prioritize accountability and maintain high expectations for this work. Despite the layoffs, Microsoft asserts that it remains dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment.
This layoff is part of a broader trend of significant workforce reductions at Microsoft this year. Notably, the company laid off 1,900 people from its games division in January. These widespread layoffs have sparked concerns about the company’s internal culture and its approach to handling business changes while maintaining its stated values.
The importance of diversity and inclusion in the gaming industry remains a prominent topic of discussion. The International Game Developers Association’s (IGDA) 2023 Developer Satisfaction survey indicated that 85% of respondents believe diversity is crucial in the industry, workplace, and in-game content.
This context underscores the ongoing relevance of DEI initiatives and the scrutiny companies like Microsoft face in upholding these principles amid organizational changes.
