Microsoft has launched the Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) program, inviting 60,000 employees to resign voluntarily. This figure represents 27% of the company's total workforce as of June 30, 2026, when the staff count reached 223,000 people.
The initiative targets specific departments in the US, Canada, the UK, and India. Eligible roles include positions up to the vice-president level, specifically those at internal level 70 and below. Participation is voluntary and time-limited.
The program covers teams working on AI features, Copilot, finance, HR, Xbox, and Windows + Devices. Conversely, departments such as marketing, sales, security, and data center support are excluded from the offer.
Microsoft aims to optimize its workforce for AI-related tasks. The company previously projected capital expenditures of $175 billion for the 2026 calendar year, primarily directed toward data centers.
