Microsoft Offers Voluntary Buyouts to About 60,000 Employees Worldwide

Microsoft announced on Monday that it is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, representing more than a quarter of its global workforce. The company said the move aims to contain costs and help fund its massive artificial intelligence investments.

The offer is available to eligible employees in Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Staff across the Windows maker would be eligible, including those working in AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox, and Windows plus Devices.

Units such as marketing, commercial business, and security will be excluded from the program. Employees in certain data center activities, sales, and marketing are also excluded, according to a company spokesperson.

Eligible staff can participate up to the vice president level. Those who choose to leave will receive benefits equivalent to a standard severance package due to termination.

Microsoft had 223,000 full-time employees globally as of June 30, according to its annual filing. The workforce has remained broadly stable since 2022, when the company began large investments in AI and data centers while limiting budgets and hiring in other areas.

In July, Microsoft offered a voluntary exit program to employees at retirement age. More than 30 percent of about 8,750 eligible employees accepted that offer. The company expects participation in the new program to be significantly lower than in the retirement program.

Microsoft did not immediately respond to CBC News questions about how many Canadians were offered the buyout.