Microsoft's U. S. Consulting Unit Hits the Pause Button on Hiring

In a recent internal memo, Microsoft has decided to press pause on hiring within its U. S. consulting unit. This move is part of the tech giant's bigger plan to tighten its belt and cut costs. Just last week, Microsoft announced it would be letting go of some employees, a move that will affect less than 1% of its total workforce, according to an insider. Despite this, Microsoft has also made it clear that it will continue to invest heavily in artificial intelligence.Interestingly, the cost-cutting measures might not be all bad news. Investors might see this as a positive sign, potentially boosting Microsoft's stock price. So far in 2024, Microsoft's shares have jumped by 12%, compared to a 29% increase for the Nasdaq Composite index. The hiring pause is in line with a new policy from Microsoft's Customer and Partner Solutions organization, which employs around 60, 000 people. This policy will stay in effect until the end of the 2025 fiscal year in June.