Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella addressed the recent layoffs of approximately 9,000 employees in a memo to all employees. Nadella acknowledged the difficult decisions, stating they affected colleagues, teammates, and friends. While expressing gratitude to those affected, he did not rule out future layoffs, noting that Microsoft's overall headcount remains relatively unchanged and the company is thriving by objective measures. He emphasized that progress in the tech industry is dynamic and sometimes dissonant.

Nadella outlined Microsoft's mission, focusing on the potential of AI and encouraging employees to consider the impact of making AI accessible to everyone. He highlighted three key business priorities: security, quality, and AI transformation, emphasizing that security and quality are non-negotiable. He also addressed employee concerns about a potential culture of fear stemming from the layoffs, urging employees to maintain a "growth mindset" during the company's transformation.

Impact Statement: Nadella's memo aims to address employee concerns and anxieties following the layoffs, while outlining the company's future direction focused on AI and its commitment to security and quality.