Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to 60,000 employees

• Microsoft is offering voluntary buyout packages to approximately 60,000 employees, according to Business Insider, as the technology company adjusts its workforce to changing business needs.
• The program covers eligible employees at level 70 and below in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, including selected teams across Copilot, AI experiences, Xbox, Windows and corporate functions.
• Microsoft confirmed the voluntary program but did not independently confirm the 60,000 figure to Reuters, while providing financial assistance and career-planning resources to participating employees.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is offering voluntary buyouts to approximately 60,000 employees across four countries, according to a Business Insider report published Monday, October 26, 2026, citing a company spokesperson.

The Voluntary Exit Offer covers eligible employees at internal level 70 and below in participating teams across the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, although Microsoft did not independently confirm the number of eligible workers when contacted by Reuters.

“This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support,” said Microsoft's Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer Amy Coleman.

A source familiar with the program told Reuters that participating divisions include AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox and Windows + Devices, while marketing, commercial business and security teams are excluded.

Microsoft said the time-limited program provides financial support and career-planning resources, with participating organizations determining eligibility based on business priorities and workforce requirements.

The new initiative builds on Microsoft's earlier voluntary retirement program, which targeted a smaller group of eligible U.S. employees and resulted in approximately 30% participation, according to separate reporting.

Microsoft employed approximately 223,000 people at the end of June 2026, meaning the reported 60,000 eligible workers represent more than one-quarter of its workforce, although the eventual number accepting buyouts remains unknown.