Microsoft offers voluntary exit packages to around 60,000 employees

[PrimeDirective27]

Microsoft has opened a voluntary exit programme to a huge slice of its workforce. Windows Central, citing CNBC, reports that about 60,000 employees have been offered a Voluntary Exit Offer

Eligible staff are at level 70 or below and work in participating teams in Canada, India, the UK and the US. Not every part of the company is taking part. Microsoft says that depends on business priorities, customer commitments and workforce needs

The offer was outlined in an internal memo from Chief People Officer Amy Coleman, which Microsoft later shared publicly with light edits. The company says it gives people who are already thinking about a future elsewhere a new choice to make that move now with support, including financial help and career planning

Microsoft had roughly 223,000 employees at the end of June, so 60,000 is about 27 percent of the company. The programme follows a Voluntary Retirement Program announced in April and a round of layoffs in July. Microsoft has not mentioned further layoffs, though Windows Central wonders whether this is a sign of what is to come

Voluntary schemes are kinder than surprise layoffs, because people get to choose. Offering one to over a quarter of the workforce is still a striking signal, especially while the company pours money into AI. The real test is how many people accept and what happens if not enough do

Would you take a voluntary exit if it were offered? And do you think layoffs will follow at Microsoft?

Microsoft just offered buyouts to 60,000 employeeswww.windowscentral.com

[Hollow Pete]

Choosing to leave with support is far better than an email on a Friday afternoon. Credit to Microsoft for that, at least. People can plan properly. Time to prepare makes a huge difference to people