Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 workers as the company makes a major shift

NewsMicrosoft offers buyouts to 60,000 employees as it makes a major workforce moveMicrosoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 eligible employees in the U.S., Canada, India and the U.K. as the technology giant adjusts its workforce while spending heavily on artificial intelligence. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson, File)AP Photo/Lindsey WassonMicrosoft is giving about 60,000 employees a chance to leave the company voluntarily, a major workforce move that comes as the technology giant pours billions of dollars into artificial intelligence.The voluntary exit offer is open to eligible employees in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. About 27% of Microsoft’s 223,000 workers qualify, according to CNBC. The program applies to some employees at the vice president level and below. Microsoft’s Amy Coleman, chief people officer, said the company wants to give workers more choice while allowing different parts of the business to adjust to changing needs. Microsoft described the program as voluntary and available for a limited time in its official announcement. Not everyone can take the offer. TechCrunch reported that some employees in data centers, sales and marketing are excluded. Workers who qualify are being offered financial support and career-planning resources. The move comes as Microsoft spends heavily on the infrastructure needed to run AI services. The company expects about $175 billion in capital expenditures during 2026.Microsoft has also been reducing its workforce. In July, the company announced 4,800 job cuts, including major reductions involving Xbox, CNBC reported. The new program does not mean 60,000 people are leaving. It means that many workers are eligible to consider the offer. Earlier in 2026, more than 30% of roughly 8,750 employees eligible for a separate retirement program accepted it, according to TechCrunch. Chris Pugh covers trending news and national breaking stories, focusing on the moments, conversations, and cultural flashpoints shaping the national news cycle. Chris worked as a digital reporter for...This article was produced with assistance from AI tools and reviewed by AL.com staff.