Microsoft offers buyout for up to 7% of US employees

Source: TechCrunch

Background

Microsoft is offering voluntary retirement buyouts for the first time in its 51‑year history, according to reports from CNBC and Bloomberg.

The program provides Microsoft an opportunity to reduce headcount in a manner less abrasive than mass layoffs. Over the last few years, the company has weathered several rounds of layoffs, affecting thousands of employees — most recently, it cut 9,000 jobs last summer.

Eligibility Criteria

Employees are eligible if the sum of their age and years of service at Microsoft equals 70 or more, with some exceptions. For example, a 52‑year‑old employee with 18 years of service would qualify for the buyout.

Scope and Impact

• Microsoft had an estimated 125,000 U.S. employees as of June.
• The buyouts would apply to up to 7 % of the U.S. workforce, roughly 8,750 employees.

References

• CNBC article: Microsoft plans first voluntary retirement program for U.S. employees
• Bloomberg article: Microsoft offers voluntary retirement to about 7 % of U.S. workers
• TechCrunch coverage of the 2025 layoffs.