Microsoft confirmed Monday it is offering voluntary buyouts to ∼60,000 employees — about 27% of its 223,000 full-time global workforce — as it reshapes the company for AI.
The Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) is available to eligible employees in the US, Canada, India, and the UK at level 70 and below (VP and below). Covered teams include AI Experiences, Copilot, CoreAI, Windows + Devices, Xbox, Finance, and HR. Critical data center operations, sales, and marketing are excluded.
In a memo, Chief People Officer Amy Coleman said: “This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organisations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs.”
Eligible staff were notified Monday, must opt-in by early December, and would exit Dec 31 with financial and career support — reportedly similar to standard Microsoft severance of up to 39 weeks base pay.
This is Microsoft's largest workforce action this year, after buyouts for 8,750 US workers (30% accepted) and 4,800 layoffs in July.
The move comes as Microsoft forecasts $175 billion in capex for 2026 to fund AI data centers and chips, with investors watching margins. Microsoft reports Q1 earnings Wednesday. Stock rose 1.1% to $530.50 on the news.