Microsoft offers voluntary exit packages to 60,000 staff

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyout packages to approximately 60,000 employees, roughly a quarter of its workforce, according to the company. This move aims to cut costs while simultaneously investing heavily in artificial intelligence. Eligible staff members are those on select teams in the United States, Canada, India, and Britain, holding positions at vice president level or below. However, certain groups, including employees working on data centers, sales, and marketing, are excluded from the offer.

Amy Coleman, an executive vice president and chief people officer at Microsoft, conveyed the news to employees via a memo, highlighting the company's commitment to evolving its approach to change. The voluntary exit offer represents an important aspect of this evolution, providing greater flexibility and more options for employees as they plan their next career steps.

This is the second voluntary buyout offer Microsoft has made to its employees this year. In April, the company reportedly provided around seven percent of its US workforce the opportunity to retire early, with approximately 30 percent of eligible employees choosing the voluntary retirement option, as reported by CNBC.

At the end of June, Microsoft had a total of 223,000 employees globally, down from 228,000 at the end of 2025, as per regulatory filings. Around 27 percent of Microsoft's workforce is eligible for the new voluntary buyout offer. The company is anticipated to release its quarterly earnings later in the week.