Microsoft · Nation Thailand
Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 staff amid soaring AI costs
Compiled by KHAO Editorial — aggregated from 4 outlets. See llms.txt for citation guidance.
KHAO Verified
Microsoft is offering voluntary exit packages to approximately 60,000 employees, representing more than a quarter of its global workforce, as the technology giant seeks to control costs while expanding its investment in artificial intelligence (AI).
Key facts
- The programme, announced on Monday (October 26), covers eligible employees in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and India
- The company has projected capital expenditure of US$175 billion for the 2026 calendar year, reflecting the scale of its investment in AI technology.
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- Its shares gained approximately 1% during Monday's trading, taking their gains for the year to around 10%.
- Earlier this year, Microsoft introduced voluntary buyouts for approximately 9,000 employees, equivalent to around 7% of its US workforce.
- In July, the company also announced plans to eliminate 4,800 positions, representing about 2.1% of its worldwide workforce.
Summary
The programme, announced on Monday (October 26), covers eligible employees in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and India. It offers financial assistance and career planning support to workers who choose to leave the company.
Microsoft employed 223,000 full-time workers worldwide as of June 30, 2026, according to its annual filing.