Microsoft Launches Major Buyout Program for Up to 60,000 Employees
Microsoft is launching a voluntary buyout program that could be available to as many as 60,000 employees, Reuters reported. The company aims to reduce costs while planning to invest $175 billion, primarily in artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The program could cover more than a quarter of Microsoft's global workforce. According to a source familiar with the matter cited by Reuters, employees across multiple divisions will be eligible, including teams developing AI solutions, Copilot, Windows and devices, as well as finance, human resources and Xbox.
“This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organizations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs,” Microsoft Chief People Officer Amy Coleman wrote in an internal memo.
The decision comes as Microsoft increases spending on data centers, semiconductors and the infrastructure needed to develop artificial intelligence. The scale of these investments has raised questions among investors about whether they will generate sufficiently high returns.
The company forecasts capital expenditure of $175 billion for the full year 2026. The buyout program is intended to help reduce operating costs while freeing up resources for further technology investments.
“This offer will be available to eligible employees in participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States at level 70 and below,” Microsoft said on Monday.
According to Microsoft's annual report, the company employed 223,000 full-time employees worldwide as of June 30, 2026. The buyout offer will therefore cover a substantial part of the organization, although not all eligible employees are expected to accept it.
