Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to 60,000 employees

Microsoft is providing voluntary exit offers to approximately 60,000 employees as part of its cost-cutting efforts and workforce restructuring for AI, according to Business Insider and Bloomberg reports. The program targets employees at vice president level and below in select teams across the U.S., Canada, India, and the U.K. However, certain roles, including data centers, sales, and marketing positions, are excluded from eligibility.

Microsoft's Chief People Officer, Amy Coleman, informed employees about the initiative in a Monday note, emphasizing the company's commitment to offering flexibility and support during transitions. Eligible employees who opt for the offer will receive benefits akin to those provided in a traditional severance package. Microsoft's previous voluntary exit offer in the past year garnered over 30% acceptance among retirement-age workers, totaling more than 8,750 participants. The company has not yet commented on the latest buyout offer.