Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 staff in the US, UK, Canada and India as AI changes headcount

The Verge reports that Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to around 60,000 employees across the US, UK, Canada and India, the first time it has made such an offer to so many people. It is meant to keep spending on AI infrastructure going by lowering operating costs and headcount. Sources say the terms are close to normal Microsoft severance: cash based on time at the company, faster stock vesting, some subsidised health cover and career services. Eligible staff have until December to decide.

• If you work in a company that is spending heavily on AI, ask your manager now which tasks are expected to change, and learn the AI tools your team is buying.
• If you are offered a buyout, compare it with the normal severance terms and take the time you are given before you decide.

Source: The Verge. This is our short summary of their reporting. The paragraphs marked "Our read" and the things to do are SeedFoundry's opinion. The summary is drafted with AI tools. Image: Microsoft, from its own announcement. How we source and credit