Microsoft Launches AI-Focused Voluntary Separation Program

US-based technology giant Microsoft has initiated a voluntary resignation program covering approximately 60,000 employees in the US, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom, aimed at reducing costs and funding artificial intelligence-driven growth areas. The program targets positions at the vice-president level and below, and employees are required to communicate their decisions by the first half of December.

Microsoft's voluntary separation program covers eligible employees in the Windows+Devices, Copilot, AI experiences, human resources, Xbox, and finance units. These employees will be offered cash severance and career planning support. In contrast, data centers, cybersecurity, commercial operations, and some parts of the marketing departments have been excluded from the program.

The contracts of personnel who accept the separation package will be terminated as of December 31, 2026. The company's total workforce was 228,000 last year and was recorded at 223,000 at the end of June. This program, covering approximately 60,000 people, corresponds to more than 27 percent of Microsoft's global workforce.