Microsoft offers to buy out a quarter of its workforce

Microsoft is offering a voluntary buyout package to around 60,000 employees, about a quarter of its global workforce, in the US, Canada, India, and the UK. The offer is for employees at levels 70 or below, which corresponds to principal and partner/distinguished positions. The move is part of Microsoft's effort to manage costs, particularly in AI infrastructure and data-center buildout. This is the second time Microsoft has run a voluntary workforce reduction in 2026, following a similar offer in April to 8,750 US employees, which resulted in 30% acceptance rate.