Microsoft rolls out voluntary exit program for up to 60,000 staff worldwide
Microsoft announced a voluntary exit scheme covering roughly 60,000 employees, with eligibility limited to staff at level 70 or below in four countries.
Microsoft’s Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer Amy Coleman detailed a Voluntary Exit Offer that targets roughly 60,000 employees across four markets. Eligible participants—those at internal grade 70 or lower in participating units—can receive a severance package equivalent to one month’s salary per year of service, plus health benefits and transition assistance. The program is not uniform; only certain organisations will take part based on business priorities.
In India, home to about 23,000 Microsoft staff, the company has not disclosed how many meet the criteria, and employees must respond by December 1. The initiative follows a July reduction of about 4,800 roles and comes as Microsoft faces U.S. investigations into its foreign-worker visa practices, though the company says the two issues are unrelated. Microsoft also reaffirmed its commitment to invest $20.5 billion in India’s cloud, AI and skill-building efforts through 2029.
Why it matters
The offer could reshape Microsoft’s global workforce and affect thousands of tech jobs, especially in India.
How this story developed
- Oct 26 Microsoft launches new voluntary exit program for staff in several key markets
- Oct 26 Microsoft announced a new voluntary exit program for staff in four key markets.
- Oct 27 Severance terms were described as matching those of the earlier layoff round, with a minimum of 60 days of base pay and up to 39 weeks depending on seniority.
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