Microsoft Offers Voluntary Buyouts to About 60,000 Employees to Fund AI Investments
Microsoft announced voluntary buyout offers for approximately 60,000 employees—more than a quarter of its global workforce—as it seeks to contain costs and fund massive artificial intelligence investments. The program targets eligible staff in Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States at level 70 and below.
Microsoft announced on Monday that it is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, covering more than a quarter of its global workforce. The initiative aims to contain costs and help fund massive artificial intelligence investments.
The company had 223,000 full-time employees globally as of June 30, 2026, and has forecast US$175-billion in capital expenditures for the 2026 calendar year. Microsoft shares rose about 1 per cent on Monday following the news.
Eligible staff include those working in AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox, and Windows + Devices. Units such as marketing, commercial business, and security are excluded from the buyout offers. The current offer is available to eligible employees in participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States at level 70 and below. The program is time-limited and voluntary, built on insights from a previous voluntary retirement program.
Chief People Officer Amy Coleman stated the offer gives employees a choice to transition with support and allows organizations to adapt their workforce.
This move follows earlier reductions by the technology giant. Earlier this year, Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to about 7 per cent of its U.S. workforce, or roughly 9,000 employees. In July, Microsoft announced it would cut 4,800 jobs—about 2.1 per cent of its global workforce—and divest up to five studios within its Xbox gaming business.