Microsoft might slash jobs, targeting non-coder managers to boost coder ratios

2 points by tntpreneur 2 months ago | 4 comments
  • matt_s 2 months ago
    As a manager, I feel like I can do any tasks my team can do. I usually chip in on non-critical path items or if someone is out, I can "pinch hit" and keep things moving along. I'm typically in planning, status and 1:1 meetings so there isn't a lot of focus time available for me but if needed in crunch time, I'm fully capable to take on critical path work and ditch the meetings.

    I have general anxiety about moving up beyond this current role because I have a hard time understanding what those levels contribute. Any person that can do basic math can plan a budget, extra digits don't make it more complicated and typically someone is setting a goal/total for you anyhow. If most of those roles is dealing with internal politics, there are probably ways to avoid some of that work.

    • ferguess_k 2 months ago
      I have seen other companies (including one of my previous employers) done this kind of things, either forcing the managers to go back to IC or remove them totally.
      • tntpreneur 2 months ago
        I can see your point. In many cases, an excess of middle managers can really bog down productivity. Shifting them back into individual contributor roles—or cutting them—can eliminate the bureaucracy that often just serves as formality rather than adding to real work.
      • tntpreneur 2 months ago
        Non-paywall link: https://archive.is/20250409230019/https://www.businessinside...