Microsoft offers buyouts to about 60,000 employees, roughly a quarter of its workforce

Microsoft announced voluntary buyouts for about 60,000 employees, roughly a quarter of its workforce, on October 26, 2026. A buyout is a payment offered to employees who choose to leave. Bloomberg reported the aim is containing costs. The offer covers four countries and is Microsoft's second this year, after April's early retirement offer to 7% of its US workforce.