Microsoft has reportedly placed a temporary hold on hiring within its US consulting unit. This decision, first reported by CNBC, is part of a broader cost-cutting strategy as the tech giant navigates a period of economic uncertainty.
The hiring freeze specifically impacts the US Accenture Cloud and Industry Solutions (ACIS) unit, which plays a crucial role in assisting businesses in leveraging Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, Azure.
While Microsoft has not publicly commented on the hiring freeze, it aligns with a broader trend of cost-cutting measures seen across the tech industry. Several major tech companies have implemented hiring freezes or even initiated layoffs in recent months as they strive to navigate economic headwinds and prioritise profitability.
Derek Danois, a senior executive in the consulting division, emphasised in the memo the need for careful cost management. Employees were also instructed to minimise travel expenses for internal meetings and leverage remote sessions instead. Additionally, the division will reduce its marketing and non-billable external resource spending by 35%
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These measures align with a policy set by Microsoft’s Customer and Partner Solutions organisation, which oversees around 60,000 employees. Despite the hiring freeze, Microsoft continues to focus on AI and cloud initiatives, maintaining its long-term growth strategies.
