By Tj Denzer

Copyright shacknews

Back in July, Microsoft announced a mass layoff of around 9,000 employees that included the cancellation of large-scale gaming projects and the closure of studios. That massive headcount decrease has, understandably, made many Microsoft employees anxious. It’s a matter that CEO Satya Nadella reportedly addressed this week, claiming the company wants to earn the trust of its employees back and “do better” for them in the future.

Satya Nadella reportedly answered to nervousness surrounding the layoffs during an employee meeting, of which the audio was acquired by CNBC. In said meeting, when asked by an employee about the perceived lack of empathy in Microsoft’s culture and leadership and what the company is doing to rebuild trust, Nadella claimed the company’s leaders will do better.

“I deeply appreciate that, the question and the sentiment behind it,” Nadella said in the audio. “I take it as feedback for me and everyone in the leadership team, because at the end of the day, I think we can do better, and we will do better.”

It was just in July that Microsoft cut around 9,000 employees. That included the cancellation of Rare’s original title, Everwild, as well as the closure of The Initiative and the cancellation of its Perfect Dark reboot. Those layoffs left many alarmed, especially after Microsoft had already closed Arkane Austin and tried to close Tango Gameworks alongside many other layoffs in 2024.

In the past, Satya Nadella has also said that the layoffs weigh on him as he continues to collect a greater salary year-by year. With that in mind, it will remain to be seen if Microsoft really follows through on its promise of a better culture. Stay tuned to the Microsoft topic as we continue to update with news and coverage.