60,000 Microsoft Staff Offered Buyouts Amid $175 Billion AI Spend

Microsoft is extending voluntary separation packages to approximately 60,000 employees, a figure representing about 27% of its global staff. The move coincides with the company's planned expenditure of $175 billion on artificial intelligence infrastructure for the current fiscal year.

The company announced the program on Monday. It is available to eligible workers in the United States, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. To qualify, employees must hold a rank of vice president or lower. The offer targets mid-level workers and provides financial support along with career planning resources.

Amy Coleman, Microsoft’s chief people officer, outlined the rationale in a memo to staff. "This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support," Coleman wrote. Employees will receive notification of the offer via email on Monday.

This initiative marks the second major workforce adjustment for Microsoft in 2026. In May, the company planned buyouts for roughly 8,750 U.S. workers, according to the Associated Press. In July, Microsoft cut 4,800 positions, a reduction of about 2% of its global headcount.

Regulatory filings show the company’s total headcount decreased from 228,000 at the end of 2025 to 223,000 by the end of June. Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood stated in a July earnings call that the company expects to invest $175 billion in AI infrastructure, including data centers, during 2026.

Certain business units are excluded from the buyout program. Bloomberg reported that a company spokesperson said employees focused on data centers, as well as those in sales and marketing, are not eligible. The program is designed to help the company reduce labor costs while allowing departing staff to leave with financial assistance.

The buyout window is described as a limited period. Microsoft expects the restructuring to align its workforce with its increased spending on technology development.