The timing of Turnbull’s post coincided with Microsoft’s announcement to cut up to 9,000 jobs across various divisions this year, a move affecting approximately 4% of its global workforce of 228,000 employees. Although Microsoft did not specify which sectors would be impacted, reports indicate that the Xbox video gaming unit is among those affected.
In his post, Turnbull acknowledged the difficulty of layoffs and expressed empathy toward affected employees. He encouraged those navigating or anticipating job loss to know they are not alone. To help, he recommended using AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot to "reduce the emotional and cognitive load" during such challenging times.
Specifically, Turnbull shared prompts for AI applications aimed at career planning, resume writing, LinkedIn profile enhancement, and seeking advice on emotional clarity and confidence. He framed these suggestions as experimental approaches to provide practical support amid the uncertainty.
Despite his intentions, the post was met with significant backlash. Some social media users described the suggestion as "plain disgusting" and "speechless," criticizing the idea of using AI to handle complex human emotions during layoffs. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of workforce reductions and the varied perspectives on AI’s role in personal and professional challenges.
Microsoft, which has been investing heavily in AI technology—pledging $80 billion towards large data centers to advance AI capabilities—has yet to publicly comment on the post. The company is currently navigating the balance between innovation and workforce adjustments amid broader industry shifts.
As layoffs continue to impact the tech and gaming sectors, the conversation sparked by Turnbull’s post underscores the importance of empathetic leadership and thoughtful support for employees during transitions.