After 25 years of service with Microsoft, the employee was sacked by a computer algorithm even though they put in 60 hours a week

This story really captures the stark human side of the rapid push toward AI-driven corporate decisions, especially in tech giants like Microsoft.

A longtime Microsoft employee, who devoted 25 years to the company, was laid off not due to his work or performance but through an automated, algorithmic system used for layoffs. This deeply personal incident was shared by his wife on Reddit, revealing that he was informed about the layoff via this computerized process, and heartbreakingly, his last working day coincided with his 48th birthday.

The man is autistic and lives with multiple sclerosis but was known for his extraordinary dedication—working 60-hour weeks, volunteering for holiday shifts, rarely taking leave, and consistently solving problems without pushing for raises or promotions. Despite this, he was "randomly selected by a computer algorithm" to be let go.

Broader context:

Microsoft recently laid off about 6,000 employees worldwide, roughly 3% of its workforce, as part of restructuring efforts centered around AI adoption and streamlining operations. More than 2,000 software engineers alone were cut in Washington state. The company stated that it aims to remove redundant management layers and use automation to handle routine tasks so that teams can focus on more innovative projects.

Among those impacted in the layoffs was Gabriela de Queiroz, Microsoft’s Director of AI for Startups, who expressed sadness and heartbreak on social media but continued working to ensure a smooth transition.

The tension:

• Microsoft is aggressively investing in AI, aiming for AI to contribute to 30-50% of code generation in projects soon, a move Satya Nadella describes as vital for the company’s future.

• Yet, relying on algorithmic decision-making for layoffs raises ethical and emotional concerns, especially when it affects dedicated employees with complex health needs.

• Social media backlash has highlighted worries about age, disabilities, and health conditions potentially influencing the algorithm’s outcomes, as well as the broader implication that corporate loyalty no longer protects workers.

Why it matters:

This episode reflects a wider challenge many companies face in balancing the efficiency of AI-powered decisions with fairness, empathy, and transparency—especially when those decisions dramatically impact people’s lives. It raises questions about the risks of depersonalization in HR processes and the human cost of digital transformation in workplaces.