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Reports Say Microsoft Plans First U.S. Voluntary Severance Offer

Heavy AI and data center outlays are pressuring the company to cut payroll costs.

Overview

  • CNBC and other outlets reported an internal memo outlining a voluntary exit program, and Microsoft has not commented on the reports.
  • Eligibility would cover U.S. employees at Senior Director level and below whose age plus years at the company total at least 70.
  • Up to seven percent of the U.S. workforce could qualify, which equals roughly 8,750 to 9,000 people based on prior headcount disclosures.
  • The reports say some leadership roles and employees with revenue-linked bonus contracts would be excluded, and the final terms and timing are not yet known.
  • A parallel memo described pay-policy shifts for managers, ending a requirement to tie stock grants to cash bonuses and narrowing compensation options from nine to five.