“Transition with support,” Microsoft announces Voluntary Exit Offer for 60,000 employees in four countries

Microsoft has announced voluntary exit packages for about 60,000 employees in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In a statement on Monday, Amy Coleman, the company’s executive vice-president and chief people officer, said the Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) would support eligible staff who were considering leaving the technology company.

“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.

She added that the initiative builds on lessons from Microsoft’s voluntary retirement programme introduced earlier this year.

“The Voluntary Exit Offer reflects an important part of how we’re evolving our approach to change: creating greater flexibility and, where possible, more ways for employees to shape their next chapter,” she said.

According to Microsoft, the offer is open to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams across the four countries.

The American technology company said the programme is voluntary and available for a limited period. Participation will depend on business priorities, customer commitments and workforce requirements.

Coleman said eligible employees would receive an email containing a link to information about the offer within hours of the announcement.

Reuters reported that the scheme covers approximately 60,000 employees, representing more than a quarter of Microsoft’s global workforce.

The company had 223,000 full-time employees worldwide as of June 30, 2026, according to its annual filing.

A source familiar with the programme told Reuters that eligible staff include employees working in AI experiences, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox, and Windows and Devices.

However, the source said marketing, commercial business and security teams would be excluded from the offer.