Microsoft Offers Voluntary Exit Packages to Around 60,000 Employees
Software giant Microsoft is offering buyouts to roughly 60,000 employees, according to Business Insider and Bloomberg. The company is continuing to cut costs and reshape its workforce for artificial intelligence.
Microsoft, the US technology company, is offering voluntary exit packages to around 60,000 employees, Business Insider and Bloomberg reported on Monday, October 26. The move is part of the company's ongoing push to lower costs and restructure its workforce for the age of artificial intelligence (AI).
Who is eligible
The offer covers employees at vice president level and below on selected teams in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. Some staff, including those working in data centers, sales and marketing, are excluded.
What the company said
Microsoft's Chief People Officer, Amy Coleman, sent employees a note about the buyouts on Monday. It says the Voluntary Exit Offer is an important part of how the company is changing its approach to change, creating greater flexibility and, where possible, more ways for employees to shape their next chapter. The offer gives eligible staff who may be considering a future outside the company the option to make that transition now, with support.
According to the reports, employees who accept will receive benefits similar to those in a standard severance package.
Earlier offer
Earlier this year, Microsoft offered buyouts to employees of retirement age. More than 30% of the roughly 8,750 eligible workers accepted.
Microsoft did not immediately respond to TechCrunch's request for comment.
