In a bold restructuring move, Microsoft has announced the layoff of 9,000 employees globally, impacting 4% of its workforce. This decision comes as part of the company’s shift towards automation and AI integration, especially in software development roles. Microsoft stated the changes are necessary to "position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace."

This is not an isolated event. Earlier in January and May, Microsoft cut over 6,000 jobs, and the latest layoff marks its second-largest after the 18,000 cuts in 2014. Many believe the rise of AI tools like coding assistants is replacing traditional developer roles, pushing companies like Microsoft to restructure.

While Microsoft slashes jobs, competitors like Meta are aggressively hiring top AI talent. Microsoft’s stock remains up 16% year-to-date, indicating investor confidence despite workforce cuts. This signals a larger industry trend where AI is transforming job structures rapidly.

The move raises serious questions, Is AI revolutionizing tech jobs-or replacing them?