Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 eligible staff

Microsoft announced a voluntary exit offer on 26 October. AP reported that about 60,000 employees—roughly 27% of its workforce—were eligible. Eligibility does not mean those employees have accepted or that 60,000 jobs have been cut. ^[1][2]

Redmond, Washington, United States; participating teams in four countriesEvent: 26 October 2026Under 1 min read

Published 29 Oct 2026, 04:19 UTC

The facts

Chief People Officer Amy Coleman’s announcement covers participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. ^[1]
The offer applies to eligible employees at internal level 70 and below; participation varies by team. ^[1]
Microsoft said the time-limited package includes financial support and career planning. The checked sources do not establish eventual take-up. ^[1]

Still unconfirmed

How many employees will accept and the final effect on staffing.

Sources

References support the numbered facts above. Source checks: 29 Oct 2026, 04:19 UTC.

Introducing a Voluntary Exit Offer
Microsoft · Primary source · 26 Oct 2026
Amy Coleman’s announcement establishes the voluntary nature, geographic scope and internal-level eligibility.
Microsoft offers a quarter of its global workforce voluntary buyouts as AI spending accelerates
Associated Press via ABC News · Reporting · 26 Oct 2026
Michelle Chapman’s AP report supplies the approximate eligible population. AP is separately owned from Microsoft; ABC is the host.

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