Microsoft launches voluntary buyout program for up to 60,000 staff
Microsoft announced a voluntary exit program covering roughly 60,000 employees, about a quarter of its workforce, offering financial support and career-planning resources.
Microsoft said on Monday that it will offer a voluntary buyout to about 60,000 eligible employees, representing more than a quarter of its global staff of roughly 223,000 full-time workers. The program, limited to employees at level 70 and below, will provide financial assistance and career-planning resources, with notifications to be sent by email within hours of the announcement.
Amy Coleman, Microsoft executive vice president and chief people officer, wrote in a memo posted to the company blog that the initiative "reflects an important part of how we're evolving our approach to change: creating greater flexibility and, where possible, more ways for employees to shape their next chapter." She added that the offer is new to Microsoft and that the firm will learn from its implementation while continuing to help staff develop new skills and explore internal opportunities.
The program applies to eligible employees in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and India, with participation determined by each business unit’s priorities, customer commitments and workforce needs. Earlier this year, Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to about 9,000 U.S. employees, roughly 7% of that workforce. The company also announced a separate reduction of about 4,800 jobs in July as it restructures its Xbox gaming division.