Microsoft offers voluntary exit to 60,000 employees, 27% of its workforce
oran_ge · x · 2026-10-27
Microsoft sent voluntary exit offers to roughly 60,000 employees — 27% of its 223,000 global workforce — covering level 70 and below in the US, Canada, India and the UK, with no age or tenure thresholds. It's the company's third layoff round this year: April's first-ever buyout targeted near-retirement staff (8,750 eligible, 30% took it), July cut 4,800 more. This round's package is weaker: sign and get 8–39 weeks of salary in a lump sum but forfeit unemployment benefits; wait and gamble on the next round. Notably, Microsoft isn't struggling — capex hit $115.9B (+79.6% YoY, 35% of revenue) and revenue per employee rose from $1.235M to $1.488M, underscoring how AI-driven efficiency is reshaping headcount decisions.
Related event: Microsoft Offers Voluntary Buyouts to Up to 60,000 Employees Amid AI Push(35 posts)→
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