Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees

Technology · First reported 29 Oct, 11:23 · Updated 20:04

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to roughly 60,000 employees across several countries and divisions, following earlier workforce changes. The number of employees who will accept is not yet known, and Microsoft has announced no related changes to product roadmaps or customer support.

The offer covers approximately 60,000 employees, or around 27% of Microsoft’s global workforce, though the company has not said how many will accept.
Eligible employees are in the US, UK, Canada and India; the TechRepublic report says eligible staff at level 70 and below can receive financial assistance and career-planning resources.
Participating groups include Copilot, Windows + Devices and AI experiences, among others. Microsoft has not announced changes to product roadmaps, technical support or customer commitments.
The buyout offer follows an earlier voluntary retirement program and 4,800 job cuts announced in July; more than 30% of those eligible for the earlier offer reportedly accepted.
Tech veteran Maureen Wiley warned that workers may need to develop independent sources of income. The offer’s decision deadline is early December, according to her account.