Reported by 5 outlets
The story so far
AI summary of the reporting below · Updated · How we work
Microsoft has introduced a voluntary exit program covering roughly 60,000 workers across the United States, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. The initiative is open to staff at level 70 and below within participating business units, representing roughly a quarter of the tech giant's global workforce. Announced by Chief People Officer Amy Coleman, the time-limited packages provide departing staff with financial support and career transition services. [1][2][4][5]
The buyout terms mirror standard severance packages, and eligible staff have until early December to decide whether to accept, according to Business Insider. Not every division is taking part; participation varies across internal groups based on business priorities and operational demands. The new push follows an April voluntary retirement program that targeted a narrower set of US workers, which saw over 30 percent of eligible employees accept an exit. [1][2][5]
The push to rein in payroll comes as Microsoft absorbs soaring capital expenses tied to artificial intelligence, with company-wide spending reaching $50 billion during the September quarter. It also coincides with continued belt-tightening across the company, including thousands of previously planned job eliminations and studio divestments in its Xbox gaming division. [1][2][5]
Xbox isn't the only Microsoft division looking to massively reduce worker headcounts. In fact, Microsoft has just announced a "Voluntary Exit Offer" that will essentially pay staff to move in front of any potential layoffs and voluntarily leave their jobs.
via Eurogamer
Microsoft says about 60,000 employees may be eligible for a voluntary exit offer. The program covers selected teams in four countries and gives eligible staff the option to leave with financial and career support.
via Guru3D
Microsoft Corp. today issued voluntary buyout offers to about a quarter of its workforce. The approximately 60,000 workers affected by the move are located in the U.S., Canada, India and the U.K. They reportedly all have a score of 70 or below on the company’s internal experience scale. That means the most senior employees affected…
via SiliconANGLE
Microsoft recently announced a new voluntary exit offer for employees at level 70 and below in certain countries. Sources told CNBC that this group includes about 60,000 workers, a substantial increase in scope compared with the buyout offers that began in April.
via TechSpot
Microsoft is offering buyouts to around 60,000 members of its workforce as it looks to balance the books amid a ramp-up in AI data center spending.
via Tom’s Hardware