Microsoft employee laid off after 23 years still goes to office: 'Keen to be helpful'

Microsoft is reportedly planning another wave of layoffs next week. The job cuts is likely to affect thousands. (File photo)

In an unusual display of dedication, a 59-year-old former principal product manager at Microsoft continues to show up for work at his Denmark office despite being laid off in May. After 23 years with the tech giant, Freddy Kristiansen, who has a six-month notice period under Danish law, told Business Insider that he remains "committed to the products, the people using them, and my colleagues."

Kristiansen's long tenure at Microsoft began unexpectedly. Hired by Navision in 2002 for what he thought would be a brief stint, Microsoft's acquisition of the company soon after transformed his career into a two-decade-plus journey.

But despite being officially relieved of duties, Kristiansen still possesses an office access card and company laptop. "I'm still keen to be helpful," he told the publication.  I'm also in touch with my former team. If they need my help, I'll answer questions, share guidance, or whatever else helps. Next month, I'll be hosting a session for current staff — a kind of motivational talk about my career at Microsoft and the good, bad, and not-so-fun decisions I made."

'Didn't expect to feel relieved when I got laid off'

Kristiansen also told Business Insider that when he got laid off, he felt relieved. "I've found the work fulfilling, but around five years ago, I started dreaming of my own business," Kristiansen said. "One morning in May this year, I got an invite to a one-on-one meeting with my manager. I said to my wife: 'This is it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be laid off'. I thought I might feel upset, but, in reality, it was kind of a relief."

He noted that while some colleagues were devastated, he, nearing 60, was no longer interested in the 60-hour work weeks that had characterised his last decade of intense effort.

He also stays in touch with his former team, offering guidance. His future plans involve offering CTO services, project management, and motivational speaking, aiming to deliver value efficiently while incorporating travel and a regular exercise routine. He believes his continued engagement stems from a genuine connection to partners, customers, and colleagues forged over years of dedication.

Microsoft planning another wave of layoffs, job cuts to affect thousands: Report
Microsoft is reportedly poised to implement significant layoffs within its Xbox division next week. According to a Bloomberg report, these impending cuts are expected to form part of a broader, company-wide restructuring initiative. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that managers within the Xbox business unit are anticipating "considerable" reductions in staff. This move would mark the fourth major round of layoffs for the Xbox team since early 2023, following three previous rounds and the closure of several subsidiary studios.

The anticipated layoffs come amidst increasing pressure from Microsoft's leadership to enhance profitability within the Xbox business, which oversees both hardware and software operations. Scrutiny on the division reportedly intensified following the company's monumental $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in 2023, which stands as the largest deal in Microsoft’s history. The tech giant is now said to be focusing on streamlining operations and improving profit margins ahead of the close of its financial year on 30th June.