Technology
Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 eligible staff
The Indian Express·
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to eligible employees in the US, UK, Canada and India as it adjusts its workforce amid heavy AI spending. Reports say about 60,000 staff at level 70 and below may join, not the number expected to exit. Chief People Officer Amy Coleman said workers who accept would leave by December 31.
Prism
What It Means For You
- Eligible Microsoft staff in India, the US, the UK and Canada must decide on the buyout in early December.
- Employees who accept are scheduled to depart on December 31 under the time-limited programme.
- Participation varies by business unit based on customer commitments and workforce needs, the company said.
What's Happening
- Coleman wrote that the voluntary exit programme reflects how Microsoft is evolving its approach to workforce change.
- Some marketing, sales and engineering teams have opted out of the new buyout offer, according to CNBC.
- The announcement comes ahead of Microsoft's third-quarter results scheduled for Wednesday.
Microsoft workforce level 70 cap
- Microsoft reported about 2,23,000 full-time employees in a June 2026 filing.
- Level 70 represents senior leadership tiers such as general managers or distinguished engineers.
- The company ran an earlier voluntary retirement programme for employees approaching retirement age this year.
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