Who can take the deal, what they get, the December deadline, and why one of the richest companies in the world is doing this.
Microsoft is asking thousands of its own workers: would you like to leave, with a payout? On Monday, October 26, 2026, the company launched a "Voluntary Exit Offer" for about 60,000 eligible employees, Fox Business reports. That is more than a quarter of its roughly 223,000 workers worldwide.
It is the second time this year Microsoft has offered staff money to go. Business Insider first reported the program. Here is what it means, in plain words.
⚡ The Microsoft buyout in 30 seconds
- 📣 Announced: Monday, October 26, 2026.
- 👥 Who: employees at level 70 and below, in teams that take part.
- 🌍 Where: U.S., U.K., Canada and India.
- 💵 The money: similar to Microsoft's normal severance package.
- ⏰ Deadline: decide by early December, leave on December 31.
- ✋ It's optional: no one is forced to take it.
What is a "buyout," simply?
A buyout is when a company offers you money to leave your job by choice. It is different from a layoff. In a layoff, the company decides who goes. In a buyout, you decide. If you say yes, you leave with a payment. If you say no, you keep your job, at least for now.
Who can take Microsoft's offer?
- 📊 Employees at level 70 and below. Microsoft uses numbers for job levels, and this reaches up to vice president level, according to BigGo Finance.
- 🏢 Only in teams that choose to take part. Each business group decides based on its own needs and customer promises.
- 🌍 Only in the U.S., U.K., Canada and India. BigGo Finance says Japan and Taiwan are not included.
Eligible staff were told the details by email within hours of the announcement, Fox Business says.
What do they get?
Microsoft has not shared exact dollar amounts in public. Reports say the payment is close to the company's standard severance package. The final amount depends on each person's job level, country and years at Microsoft. The company also offers career planning help.
Why is Microsoft doing this?
The big reason is cost. Microsoft is spending huge amounts on artificial intelligence: data centers, chips and power. BigGo Finance reports the company expected to spend more than $50 billion on these in just three months (July to September), up from $34.9 billion a year earlier. To balance that, it is cutting costs in other places, including staff.
Microsoft has said earlier job cuts were not about AI replacing people, but it agrees AI is changing how work gets done.
2026: a hard year for Microsoft workers
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | Voluntary retirement offer for long-serving U.S. staff (age + years of service of 70 or more). About 9,000 people were eligible, and more than 30% accepted. |
| July 2026 | About 4,800 jobs cut (2.1% of staff) during an Xbox shake-up. |
| October 26, 2026 | Voluntary Exit Offer to about 60,000 employees. |
Buyout or layoff: which is better?
👍 Good side of a buyout
- Workers choose, so it feels fairer.
- Less fear and anger inside the company.
- Leavers get money to plan their next step.
👎 Hard side of a buyout
- It costs the company more.
- Nobody knows how many will leave.
- Layoffs could still follow if too few accept.
A Microsoft spokesperson said there are no current plans for another program like this. And remember: 60,000 is the number who can leave, not the number who will. The real test comes after the early-December deadline.
💡 Read also: He said no to Zuckerberg →FAQ
How many Microsoft employees are offered a buyout?
About 60,000 employees are eligible, which is roughly 27% of Microsoft's 223,000 workers worldwide.
Is the Microsoft buyout a layoff?
No. It is voluntary. Employees can choose to accept the offer and leave, or decline it and stay.
What is the deadline for the Microsoft buyout?
Employees must decide by early December 2026, and those who accept leave on December 31, 2026.
Which countries are included?
The offer covers eligible employees in the U.S., U.K., Canada and India.
How much money do Microsoft employees get?
Microsoft has not published exact amounts. Reports say it is similar to its standard severance package and depends on level, location and years of service.
