Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 employees

THE NEWS

What happened

Microsoft has expanded its voluntary buyout program to up to 60,000 employees across the US, UK, Canada, and India. This initiative aims to reduce headcount without additional forced layoffs, offering financial support and career planning resources. The offer includes teams like AI experiences, Copilot, and Windows, while excluding marketing, sales, and security units. It follows a recent 4,800-person layoff and differs from previous age-based retirement programs.

CONTEXT

Why it matters

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to up to 60,000 employees across the US, UK, Canada, and India. Eligible teams include AI experiences, Copilot, Windows, and Xbox, while marketing, sales, and security units are excluded. This initiative follows a recent 4,800-person layoff and provides financial support and career planning resources to staff choosing to leave.

AT A GLANCE

Key facts

• Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to up to 60,000 employees globally.
• Eligible teams include AI experiences, Copilot, CoreAI, Windows + Devices, Xbox, finance, and HR.
• Teams such as marketing, commercial business, discovery and quantum, and security are not participating.
• The program follows a recent layoff of 4,800 employees primarily affecting Xbox and sales.
• This offer is distinct from the previous voluntary retirement program limited to older long-serving staff.
• Microsoft states the new offer is not based on age, tenure, or performance metrics.