Last year, Microsoft made over $20 billion profit on almost $80 billion in revenue. The truth is that Microsoft has accumulated many useless employees over the years, and they could be even more profitable by laying off those people.
Pruning all the carefully hidden useless employees is a massive effort, getting rid of a department that is longer relevant is a minor effort. Expecting them to undertake the massive effort for the appearance of fairness is unrealistic.
it seems fine to me?
c.f.
Subject: good news and bad news
Hey team, got some good news and bad news. The bad news is not everyone can be part of some of the current transitions, you're more than welcome to re-apply to new positions that will be evolving in the future, for those of you who are still relevant. The good news is that for those of you who are staying - Microsoft is now a mobile-first company! We're making the productivity equivalent of Angry Birds. Also, we're keeping xbox, you guys are cool.
Peace yo.
This is a notification that it's happening, that you're not going to be affected, and that they're doing it because they think it will help the company grow and adapt.
Dear Employees,
For our business to continue running, we must reduce the number of staff. This is an unfortunate but also inevitable reality.
[insert details of layoff here]
[insert honest platitudes]
Senior management wishes all of you the best of luck, and has every confidence that you will be even more successful at your next job.