Microsoft Announces Buyouts for 60,000 Employees Amid AI Push

Microsoft has initiated a voluntary buyout program for approximately 60,000 employees across selected teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This initiative is part of the company's strategy to manage costs while significantly investing in artificial intelligence (AI).

The program is available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams, excluding marketing, commercial business, and security teams. Microsoft Chief People Officer Amy Coleman stated that the program offers employees considering leaving the company a supportive transition option.

The buyout offer follows previous workforce reductions in 2026, including voluntary buyouts to about 9,000 employees and plans to cut 4,800 jobs in July. Microsoft is forecasting a capital expenditure of $175 billion for the 2026 calendar year to support its AI infrastructure investments, which have raised investor scrutiny regarding their potential for sustainable revenue growth.