Microsoft is offering about 60,000 workers a choice to leave the company with money and support. These workers are in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and India. Microsoft had about 223,000 workers at the end of June, so the offer covers more than a quarter of its workers.
Workers do not have to accept the offer. Microsoft expects fewer than 5% of the 60,000 workers to take it. The company says it does not want a large drop in its number of workers.
Only workers in certain teams can take the offer. They have until early December to decide. Those who accept will leave on December 31. Their pay when they leave depends on how long they worked at Microsoft, and other support depends on local laws.
Microsoft is spending heavily on buildings and equipment for artificial intelligence, or AI—smart computer systems. The company says AI is not the reason for its offers to workers. Some economists see a wider change toward fewer workers and more equipment.
