The company hasn't disclosed the exact number of furloughed employees but the change came into effect on July 1 (Image: Microsoft)

According to the reports, the tech company, Microsoft recently fired its DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) employees because of changing business needs in the company. An official mail was sent to the whole team indicating that the DEI department intends to cease functioning due to internal business restructuring.

Following the layoff, Microsoft confronted a severe backlash as an internal team leader accused the company of lacking support and negligence. According to Business Insider, a team leader stated in an email to thousands of employees that the change in systems has dwindled the teamwork down and was no longer as vigorous and smart as they were in 2020.

The company hasn’t disclosed the exact number of furloughed employees but the change came into effect on July 1. The layoffs in several departments have been a frequent thing in Microsoft reducing the workforce around the start of its new financial year. In early 2023 the company revealed its plan to dismiss around 10000 employees and has implemented step by step.

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Microsoft has promised to enhance its diversity initiatives following the 2020 gruesome murder of George Floyd by a police officer led to subsequent commotion and protest. Later, the company announced its vision to increase the number of employees from various races by 2025, but the layoff hints at an unclear commitment and seems to be scaling a lack the efforts.

The current wipe-off has brought criticism from various niches and has sparked controversy within the company. On the contrary, Microsoft’s spokesperson stated that the company adhere to unchanged commitment as the focus revolves around the inclusivity of all, being accountable and continuing to remain credible on the work front.

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