Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to roughly 60,000 staff worldwide
Microsoft announced a voluntary buyout program covering about 60,000 employees, or more than a quarter of its global workforce, as it seeks to control costs while expanding its AI initiatives.
Microsoft said on Monday that it is extending a voluntary buyout program to roughly 60,000 employees, representing more than 25% of its 223,000-strong global workforce. The offer applies to staff in areas such as AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox and Windows + Devices, while units like marketing, commercial business and security are excluded, according to a source familiar with the plan.
In a memo, executive vice-president and chief people officer Amy Coleman said the program will be available to eligible employees in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. Coleman added, "> This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organizations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs."
The company described the initiative as a time-limited, voluntary program built on insights from a prior voluntary retirement effort. Eligible employees are expected to receive further details within hours.
Microsoft, like other technology firms, is investing heavily in AI data centres and chips and has projected $175 billion in capital expenditures for the 2026 calendar year. The firm is slated to report its first-quarter results after markets close on Wednesday. Shares rose about 1% on Monday following the announcement.