Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to 60,000 workers

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 23:31 · Archive

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to around 60,000 employees, nearly a third of its global workforce, as the company increases investment in artificial intelligence. Executive vice president Amy Coleman said the offer applies to eligible employees in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the US. She said in a blog post that the scheme gives 'eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support' and allows 'participating organisations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs'.

Microsoft had about 223,000 full-time employees globally as of June 30. In July the company announced it was cutting around 4,800 roles and overhauling its Xbox video games division. The moves follow a trend across the technology sector: Google and Meta have also announced job cuts this year as investment in artificial intelligence rises. Industry analysts point to the cost of powering AI, with investment in data centres expected to exceed $US700 billion in 2026, making chips, processors and electricity increasingly expensive.

How it is being reported

• Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to 60,000 workersMicrosoft has offered 60,000 employees, nearly a third of its global workforce, voluntary buyouts as the software giant spends heavily on AI.Perth Now · 26 Oct, 23:10
• Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to 60,000 workersMicrosoft has offered 60,000 employees, nearly a third of its global workforce, voluntary buyouts as the software giant spends heavily on AI.The West Australian · 26 Oct, 23:10

In this story: Microsoft · Amy Coleman · Google · Meta · Canada · India · United Kingdom · United States

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