Microsoft offers around 60,000 employees voluntary buyouts

Microsoft, the US tech giant, is extending a voluntary buyout offer to its employees worldwide, according to a memo from its chief people officer Amy Coleman. The "Voluntary Exit Offer" aims to provide flexibility and additional options for employees as Microsoft adapts to the evolving landscape. This initiative is targeted at select teams across the US, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, including some employees at Level 70 and below.

The voluntary program is time-limited and offers financial support along with career planning resources for eligible employees. Around 60,000 staff members are reported to be eligible for this opportunity. Microsoft announced earlier this year that it was downsizing its workforce by eliminating around 4,800 roles, or approximately 2.1% of its global workforce, as it pivoted to focus on AI and sought to cut costs. These cuts impacted the company's commercial division and Xbox gaming division significantly.

In July, Microsoft also introduced an early retirement scheme, allowing some employees to retire early. Remarkably, over 30% of those eligible for the early retirement program chose to participate. Microsoft has stated that it will continue exploring similar approaches in the future to support its employees during this transition period.