Microsoft offers cash exits to 60,000 workers

Microsoft is paying up to let a large group of workers leave the company.

The move affects about 60,000 employees. That number represents roughly one-quarter of the global workforce. The offers go to staff in the United States, India, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Only employees at level 70 or below can take the deal.

This is not the first time the company has cut staff this year. In April, Microsoft offered a voluntary retirement package to 8,750 long-tenured US employees. About 30 percent of those workers accepted. In July, the Xbox division let go of 3,200 people. That cut represented 20 percent of the gaming division.

Amy Coleman, the Chief People Officer, said the specific teams were chosen based on business priorities and workforce needs. The company did not give a direct reason for the new buyout package. It comes as Microsoft spends heavily on AI infrastructure and data centers. The earlier offer targeted veterans nearing retirement. This new offer targets a much larger pool of mid-level staff.

The company describes the offer as a chance for people who were already thinking about leaving. The buyouts allow those employees to leave on Microsoft's terms. The process is voluntary. No one is forced to take the money.

The offers are available now. Employees in eligible roles in the four named countries can apply. The company will process the exits as applications come in. No further cuts are scheduled for the near term.