Microsoft Targets 60,000 Employees for Voluntary Exit Offer Amid Surging AI Infrastructure Costs

Microsoft offers voluntary exit to about 60,000 staff in four countries as AI data centre costs rise (Credit: Simon Ray/Unsplash)

Microsoft has introduced a Voluntary Exit Offer reaching approximately 60,000 employees across the United States, Canada, India, and the United Kingdom. Announced on Monday, 26 October, the initiative provides eligible staff with financial support and career-planning resources should they choose to depart.

The figure represents roughly 27 per cent of Microsoft's 223,000-strong global workforce. While Microsoft confirmed the total number of eligible employees, it has not publicly disclosed targets for how many are expected to accept the offer.