Microsoft employees call work ‘joyless’ in open letter as 60,000 get buyout offers

AI Summary

Microsoft employees have circulated an open letter criticizing the company's push for AI, layoffs, and what they describe as a demoralizing workplace. The criticism coincides with buyout offers to 60,000 staff across several countries, alongside reports of limited raises and a 32% profit increase.

Microsoft employees are circulating an open letter accusing the company of pursuing AI at all costs, saying work there has become "joyless and demoralizing." The letter is gaining attention after Microsoft offered buyouts to 60,000 employees across India, the US, UK and Canada, its largest ever. It flags forced AI use, layoffs, data centres and climate goals, as staff report raises below 1% while Microsoft posts a 32% profit jump.