Microsoft layoffs: Long-time manager with 25 years of service shares 'bittersweet' message after unexpected losing the job

Job cuts

Microsoft announced the mass layoff yesterday, where the company let go of around 9000 employees. In the same wave, a longtime manager, Chris Bynum, with 25 years of service, has also lost his job. In response to thatBynum shared a bittersweet response on LinkedIn.

Bynum recently worked as a “Customer Success Account Management – Manager,” as revealed on LinkedIn, and he had been laid off, just weeks after celebrating his quarter-century milestone with the tech giant.

“In May, I celebrated a significant milestone at Microsoft – 25 years of dedicated service. Today, however, marks a bittersweet moment as I share that I have been laid off,” Bynum wrote, addressing the unexpected career setback that affected not only him but also his entire team.

Mass layoffs impact thousands
Microsoft began notifying employees of job cuts on July 2, with the layoffs expected to impact around 9,000 employees across different business units, including Xbox. This reduction represents less than 4% of the company’s global workforce of 228,000 full-time employees, as reported in June 2024.

The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring strategy. According to a company spokesperson, “We continue to implement organisational changes necessary to best position the company and teams for success in a dynamic marketplace.”

Gaming division and management layers affected
Several business segments have been impacted by the layoffs, including Microsoft’s Xbox division. In a memo shared internally, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed that the company is prioritising agility by “removing layers of management” and reducing work in certain areas.
“To position Gaming for enduring success and allow us to focus on strategic growth areas, we will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business,” Spencer wrote. This includes changes aimed at increasing operational efficiency across the board.

After Bynum’s post, support began pouring in from current and former colleagues, as well as other industry professionals. Many expressed sadness over his departure and offered to share opportunities and connections.
Bynum thanked his peers and added that he remains optimistic. “As I navigate this new chapter, I remain open to exploring fresh opportunities,” he said.

Layoffs follow earlier job cuts
This marks Microsoft’s second major round of job cuts in 2025. The company had previously laid off approximately 6,000 workers in May—roughly 3% of its global workforce—making this latest reduction one of its largest.