Key facts
- Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees.
- The offer represents roughly 27% of Microsoft's global workforce.
- The program is available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and India.
- The buyouts are intended to help fund massive AI investments and contain costs.
- Eligible employees will receive financial assistance and career planning resources.
Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to approximately 60,000 employees, representing about 27% of its global workforce, as the technology giant seeks to manage costs and finance its substantial investments in artificial intelligence. The program, announced on Monday, October 26, 2026, is available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and India. This initiative follows significant spending on AI infrastructure, including data centers and computing equipment, which has impacted the company's free cash flow. Microsoft previously offered voluntary retirement packages and implemented job cuts earlier in 2026.