Business • Jun 30, 2025

Microsoft ties employee performance to AI usage

Microsoft just told its teams that using AI tools like GitHub Copilot will count in their performance reviews.
Julia Liuson, who leads the Developer Division, called AI skills "core"—right up there with teamwork and communication.
The idea is to get more people actually using these tools, especially as other companies step up their own AI game.

TL;DR

AI skills are core to your job at Microsoft

Some teams will soon track how much you use AI tools at work, since adoption has been low—even among the folks who built them.
Plus, Microsoft's letting employees try approved external AIs like Replit (as long as they're secure).
Bottom line: knowing your way around AI isn't optional at Microsoft anymore—it's a must-have for your career there.