Microsoft Offers Voluntary Severance to About 60,000 Employees

Microsoft is offering voluntary severance to about 60,000 eligible employees, giving the company a way to reduce staffing costs as it invests heavily in AI infrastructure.

Chief People Officer Amy Coleman outlined the program in a Monday memo to employees, describing it as a way to give workers more flexibility and room to plan their next career move. About 60,000 current employees are eligible, and the terms are expected to be similar to Microsoft's standard severance package.

The offer gives employees a voluntary route to leave as Microsoft seeks further cost reductions without another forced layoff. The company has already reduced its workforce this year while directing substantial resources to AI infrastructure. The program will show whether voluntary departures can help lower costs further as that investment continues.