Microsoft offers voluntary exits to 60,000 employees

Microsoft is offering a voluntary exit programme to about 60,000 employees, roughly 27% of its global workforce, as it reshapes staffing while investing heavily in artificial intelligence infrastructure and technology. The offer applies to selected teams in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. Microsoft said some employees at vice president level and below are eligible, while certain data-centre, sales and marketing roles are excluded. The company’s employee count was about 223,000 as of June 30, 2026, according to its filing. The 60,000 figure represents workers who may qualify, not confirmed departures. Microsoft has not disclosed how many employees will accept the offer. Eligible staff have until the first week of December to decide, according to the programme details reported by the company. Eligibility varies among participating organizations and departments. Amy Coleman, Microsoft’s executive vice president and chief people officer, introduced the Voluntary Exit Offer as an option for employees considering leaving, with support for their transition. She said it also gives participating organizations another way to adapt their workforce to changing...