Microsoft Offers 60,000 Staff Voluntary Buyouts

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has offered voluntary exit packages to about 60,000 employees, a company spokesperson said. Chief people officer Amy Coleman announced the offer today in a memo. It covers eligible staff in the US, Canada, India and the UK.

Microsoft shares closed Monday’s US session at $532.60, up 1.54% from $524.51 on Friday and about 2% below the $543.45 closing high of the 13th of October. The offer emerged during the session, and the broader market was also higher.

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The offer is open to staff at vice-president level and below in select teams, with some data-centre, sales and marketing employees excluded. Benefits are similar to a standard severance offer. No amounts or deadline have been disclosed, although Coleman, executive vice president and chief people officer, described it as time-limited.

This is a time-limited, voluntary program that gives those who are eligible the opportunity to leave Microsoft with financial support and career planning resources.

Amy Coleman, Microsoft

Coleman said the offer reflects how Microsoft is evolving its approach to change, with more flexibility for employees to shape their next chapter. The move comes as AI spending accelerates.

The 60,000 is roughly 27% of a workforce that stood at 223,000 at the end of June, down from 228,000 at the end of 2025, according to filings. It follows 4,800 job cuts in July, about 2.1% of the workforce, and an earlier voluntary retirement programme this year. Microsoft expects lower take-up this time.

Spending is the other side of the ledger. Capital expenditure was $41bn in April to June, with about $50bn expected for July to September. Chief financial officer Amy Hood lowered the 2026 calendar-year forecast to $175bn from $190bn.

Results are expected on Wednesday. Capital spending, margins and any restructuring charge are the figures to watch.