Microsoft Freezes Hiring in Major Cloud and Sales Groups

Microsoft executives in recent weeks told managers at major divisions, including its Azure cloud and North American sales groups, to suspend new hiring, according to three current employees with direct knowledge of the decision. It’s not uncommon for Microsoft to slow hiring or even lay off staff toward the end of its fiscal year, which ends in June. But Microsoft’s cost-conscious approach reflects a broader attitude throughout tech, as companies try to offset heavy investments in AI.