Microsoft says it will eliminate up to 18 000 jobs over the next year as it works on integrating the Nokia devices business it bought in April.

Most of the cuts are expected to be from the Nokia workforce, and will happen within the next six months.

With the Nokia deal, Microsoft’s employee headcount rose from about 99 000 last year to 127 000 as of last month.

Microsoft states that, of the up to 18 000 jobs, about 12 500 professional and factory jobs will be cut.

It anticipates charges of $1,1-billion to $1,6-billion over the next four quarters, which includes $750-million to $800-million for severance and related benefit costs.

The news comes just days after Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella sent an e-mail to all employees urging them to embrace the company culture and be open to change.

Nadella yesterday told employees that the cuts would be made in the most thoughtful and transparent way possible.

He added that the job losses are primarily driven by a desire to make the work environment simpler, and drive more strategic alignment with the company’s Nokia Devices and Services Unit, which Microsoft acquired last year.