Microsoft offers around 60,000 employees voluntary buyouts

Microsoft is providing voluntary buyout opportunities to roughly 60,000 global employees, according to a memo from Chief People Officer Amy Coleman. The offer, described as a "Voluntary Exit Offer," aims to facilitate change by providing flexibility and additional ways for staff to plan their next career steps. Eligible individuals can participate in the program, which is currently available to teams in the US, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom.

The offer includes financial support and career planning assistance for those who choose to leave Microsoft. The program is time-sensitive and will be communicated to eligible staff in the coming hours via email. The move follows Microsoft's recent decision to eliminate around 4,800 positions, or about 2.1% of its global workforce, in an effort to refocus and reduce costs as the AI industry expands.

Earlier this year, Microsoft also offered early retirement options to some employees, with over 30% of those who were eligible choosing to take advantage of the program. Microsoft has expressed its intention to continue exploring similar initiatives in the future.