A software developer on a visa was laid off by Microsoft this summer with zero notice, no prior warnings of underperformance, and no severance.
What is more troubling? The lack of transparency or due process that typically precedes such a decision, especially in a company known for rigorous performance management systems.
There was no indication that he was underperforming. There were no conversations about performance issues, no PIP, no LITE but then he was fired.
The employee held a Level 59 (L59) position, and he had been with Microsoft for two years. He says that they had received no performance-related warnings, yet the official reason for the layoff was “not meeting performance expectations” and receiving zero rewards in the annual performance cycle.
Two years on the no-hire list
According to the employee, the layoff happened with no severance, just one week of benefits and payroll continuation, and an immediate lockout from company systems. Their non-rehire status was confirmed for a two-year period, something they say was never communicated beforehand.
He wrote, “I am studying and applying to other companies but very blindsided by this (very tight visa timeline, terrible market etc). Any advice? Do I press HR for more reasoning? Do I do something else? This feels unreasonable and illegal. Does this affect my ability to be hired at other companies/ FAANG? Any ideas of companies hiring where international students are eligible?.”
‘This is disappointing’
Netizens dropped their opinion on the post. A user noted, ” It’s really messed up your manager never gave warning. You definitely should have seen it coming. If there was truly no warning, you should contact an attorney.”
Another claimed, “Don’t baby a low performer that was fired.” “They’ve instituted cruelty at microsoft. I’m really sorry this happened. Don’t listen to the comments on low performer. You’re obviously a star getting into microsoft so early stage. This place blows,” added a netizen.
“If you can’t figure out the difference between layoff and fired, you need to go,” added a user. “This is quite strange. If they have indeed “fired” you, then they need to have documented evidence over the months leading up to it. Did that happen? Did you find most of your conversations documented over email, that manager asked you to do this, and so on? This is pretty cruel,” noted a user.