Microsoft has announced a voluntary buyout programme for approximately 60,000 employees, representing more than a quarter of its global workforce, as part of efforts to manage expenses and support ongoing investments in AI, reported Reuters.
The company detailed the initiative, stating that the scheme would apply to eligible staff in Canada, India, the UK, and the US at level 70 and below.
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A person familiar with the matter told Reuters that the offer would be available to workers across several divisions, including those involved with AI experiences, finance, Copilot, human resources, Xbox, and Windows + Devices.
The source added that marketing, commercial business, and security units would not be included in the programme, and requested anonymity as the matter is private.
In a staff memo, Microsoft vice president and chief people officer Amy Coleman said: “This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organisations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs.”
As technology companies face rising costs for AI data centres and advanced chips, Microsoft said the move is intended to provide greater flexibility in workforce management while allowing employees to pursue new opportunities.
The company has committed significant capital to its AI initiatives, with a reported forecast of $175bn in capital expenditures for the 2026 calendar year.
The voluntary programme follows a previous offer earlier in the year, when around 9,000 US employees, or 7% of the American workforce, were given buyout options.
In July, Microsoft announced 4,800 job cuts, constituting about 2.1% of its global headcount, alongside a restructuring of its Xbox gaming business and divestment from up to five studios.
According to Microsoft’s annual filing, the company employed 223,000 full-time staff globally as of 30 June 2026.
Eligible employees will receive further information on their buyout packages by email in the coming hours, with the company noting that participation depends on business priorities, customer commitments, and workforce requirements.
