Microsoft announced a voluntary buyout program for approximately 60,000 employees, representing a quarter of its global workforce. The offer targets eligible staff in the United States, India, Canada, and the United Kingdom, specifically those at level 70 or below. The company describes the initiative as an opportunity for employees considering career transitions, amid ongoing cost management related to AI infrastructure and data-center expansion.
This marks the second voluntary workforce reduction in 2026, following an April offer to 8,750 U.S. employees. The Xbox division also saw 3,200 layoffs in July. Chief People Officer Amy Coleman stated eligible organizations were chosen based on business priorities and workforce needs.
About 30 percent of eligible employees accepted the earlier retirement offer, reducing the impact of planned layoffs.
Source: Ars Technica · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing