Microsoft is offering voluntary exit packages to around 60,000 employees as part of a global workforce restructuring aimed at managing costs while increasing investments in artificial intelligence.
Announced on Oct. 26, the offer covers selected workers in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. While Microsoft has not announced similar measures in the Philippines, the broader restructuring could eventually affect staffing and hiring decisions across its global operations.
Microsoft employed approximately 223,000 people worldwide as of June 2026, including 102,000 outside the United States. The Voluntary Exit Offer covers eligible employees at internal level 70 and below, including some vice presidents, across participating business divisions.
Employees who accept the offer will receive financial assistance and career planning resources. They have until early December to decide, with departures scheduled for Dec. 31.
“This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support,” Microsoft Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer Amy Coleman said.
The 60,000 eligible workers represent approximately 27% of Microsoft’s global workforce, although the company has not disclosed how many are expected to accept.
The latest exit program marks the second voluntary buyout offer Microsoft has extended to employees this year. In May, the company planned to offer buyouts to around 8,750 workers, equivalent to 7% of its U.S. workforce. In July, Microsoft announced plans to eliminate 4,800 jobs, or about 2% of its global workforce, with many of the affected positions coming from its Xbox video game division.
The development comes as the Philippine IT-BPM industry faces similar questions about employment growth amid increasing AI adoption.
The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines projects industry revenue to reach $42.3 billion in 2026 and $45 billion in 2027, while employment is expected to grow from 1.94 million to 1.99 million workers.
