Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to around 60,000 employees, roughly 27% of its reported workforce. A company spokesperson confirmed the eligible population to GeekWire, which reported that Microsoft expects a lower acceptance rate than in its earlier retirement program.
Chief People Officer Amy Coleman announced the time-limited Voluntary Exit Offer for participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States at internal level 70 and below. Participation depends on business priorities, customer commitments and workforce needs; some organizations are excluded.
The package follows Microsoft’s standard severance terms, including base pay linked to tenure and level, continued stock vesting, healthcare for a fixed period and career transition support. Employees have until the first week of December to decide, according to the company’s response to GeekWire.
The offer arrives as Microsoft invests heavily in AI infrastructure while managing operating costs. The company describes it as another way to adapt its workforce to changing needs. It has not said that AI has made all 60,000 eligible employees unnecessary, or that all will leave.
The program follows earlier voluntary retirements and the July layoffs we covered. Microsoft says the new buyouts do not replace layoffs, which remain possible depending on business conditions. The eventual reduction will depend on how many eligible workers choose the offer.
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