Microsoft offers buyouts to around 60,000 employees
News Source
β’Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:58:25 +0000
π° What Happened
Microsoft is offering buyouts to about 60,000 employees. The company confirmed the move on Monday. Staff at vice president level and below on certain teams can take the offer.
People in the U.S., Canada, India and the UK are eligible. Teams include Xbox, Windows, Copilot and Finance, according to Bloomberg. Data center, sales and marketing staff are left out.
π The Backstory
Microsoft has spent heavily on AI data centers and tools. It has cut jobs in waves over the past two years while telling staff to learn AI skills. Buyouts are gentler than layoffs because people choose to leave.
The offer is called a Voluntary Exit Offer and pays close to normal severance. Microsoft's people chief said the program is new, and the company will learn from how it goes.
π― Why It Matters
One of the world's biggest employers is nudging tens of thousands of people out the door. It is a clear sign AI spending is reshaping office jobs.
Microsoft is offering buyouts to about 60,000 employees. The company confirmed the move on Monday. Staff at vice president level and below on certain teams can take the offer.
People in the U.S., Canada, India and the UK are eligible. Teams include Xbox, Windows, Copilot and Finance, according to Bloomberg. Data center, sales and marketing staff are left out.
Microsoft has spent heavily on AI data centers and tools. It has cut jobs in waves over the past two years while telling staff to learn AI skills. Buyouts are gentler than layoffs because people choose to leave.
The offer is called a Voluntary Exit Offer and pays close to normal severance. Microsoft's people chief said the program is new, and the company will learn from how it goes.
One of the world's biggest employers is nudging tens of thousands of people out the door. It is a clear sign AI spending is reshaping office jobs.