Microsoft makes about 60,000 staff eligible for voluntary buyouts
The company says the package matches standard severance and does not rule out further layoffs.
About a quarter of Microsoft’s workforce can apply for a voluntary departure package, with roughly 60,000 employees eligible, the company confirmed to GeekWire. The program covers selected teams in the US, UK, India and Canada, and employees have until December’s first week to decide.
Chief People Officer Amy Coleman announced the Voluntary Exit Offer in an internal memo. Eligibility extends through level 70 of Microsoft’s staff hierarchy, covering general managers and some vice president roles but excluding corporate vice presidents. Microsoft said neither age nor tenure limits apply, and performance does not determine eligibility.
Microsoft told GeekWire that payments follow its usual severance arrangements, with base pay determined by service and level. The package also provides continued vesting of stock, temporary healthcare coverage and support for career transitions.
Participation is determined by business leaders. Microsoft said sales and parts of engineering and corporate operations are outside the program. The Verge reported, citing sources, that participating groups include Xbox, Copilot, CoreAI, Windows + Devices, finance and HR; security, quantum and marketing are excluded.
The initiative comes after a spring retirement offer that drew acceptance from about 30% of roughly 8,750 eligible employees, according to GeekWire. Microsoft expects lower take-up for the new offer. It cut 4,800 jobs in July, including 3,200 at Xbox, followed by 268 additional Xbox positions in September. Microsoft said business conditions could still lead to layoffs despite the voluntary program.
