Microsoft Launches Voluntary Exit Program for Quarter of Staff

Microsoft has launched a Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO), a time-limited program that lets eligible employees leave the company with a financial package and support moving to their next role.

According to Reuters, citing an anonymous source, about 60,000 employees, more than a quarter of the workforce, are eligible. The report says the aim is to cut costs and help fund AI investments. Eligible staff include those working on AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox, and Windows + Devices. Marketing, commercial business, and security teams are excluded. The offer is open to employees at level 70 and below in participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

In a company blog post, Chief People Officer Amy Coleman wrote: "This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support. It also gives participating organizations another way to adapt their workforce to changing needs." Coleman said the VEO builds on what the company learned through the Voluntary Retirement Program. In April, Microsoft offered buyouts to workers whose age and years of service totaled at least 70. 

Ubisoft allegedly considers a similar voluntary departure plan that could affect about 100 employees across its German studios.