Microsoft’s Big Exit Plan: 60,000 Employees Can Opt For Buyouts

Microsoft is offering voluntary exit packages to around 60,000 employees across India, the US, the UK and Canada. The programme covers more than a quarter of its global workforce of around 2.23 lakh employees.

The offer is open to eligible employees in participating teams, including some senior-level staff. Employees who accept will receive financial benefits similar to standard severance packages, along with career transition support. They have until early December to decide, with exits planned by the end of the year.

The move comes as Microsoft continues to spend heavily on artificial intelligence and data centre infrastructure while trying to control costs. The company has already cut thousands of jobs this year, following major layoffs in 2025.

However, Microsoft says the voluntary exit offer is not a replacement for layoffs. Not every department is participating, and the company expects fewer employees to accept this offer than its earlier retirement programme.

The latest move highlights how even one of the world’s biggest technology companies is rethinking its workforce as AI investments reshape the industry.