Microsoft offers departures to 60,000 employees, AI preserved

Microsoft initiates a new wave of voluntary departures while protecting units deemed strategic for AI. The company maintains a stable overall workforce and plans to spend $170 billion on AI infrastructure by 2026, slightly down from its initial plan.

$170 Billion Planned for AI by 2026 and Stable Workforce

CFO Amy Hood anticipates approximately $170 billion in AI infrastructure spending by 2026, a figure slightly lower than the initial plan of $175 billion. Microsoft's overall workforce remains around 223,000 employees, a level similar to that of 2022, despite significant revenue growth. This marks the second voluntary departure program in 2026, following an offer made to 8,750 employees in the United States in May and the elimination of 4,800 positions in July.

Scope: Four Targeted Countries, Some Units Included and Others Excluded

The initiative targets employees based in the United States, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, holding a vice president status or lower. The Xbox, Windows, Copilot, and Finance divisions are fully included, while activities related to data centers, sales, cybersecurity, and quantum computing are not part of the program. These excluded sectors are considered crucial for Microsoft's AI strategy.

Scope of the Offer and Internal Messages

Microsoft is offering voluntary departure options to nearly 60,000 members of its staff, representing about a quarter of its workforce. In an internal memo, HR Director Amy Coleman notes that these offers provide an additional means to align the workforce with the evolving needs of the company. A spokesperson clarifies that Microsoft seeks employees committed to tackling its most challenging issues.