Microsoft is planning to restructure its human resources through a voluntary departure program targeting around 60,000 eligible employees. This move comes as the company expands its investments in artificial intelligence and data centers. The program is part of Microsoft's efforts to adapt to changing business needs and technological advancements. The company's workforce totaled approximately 223,000 employees globally as of June 2026.
The voluntary departure program includes employees in various managerial and professional levels, up to and including vice presidents, within specific teams in the US, Canada, UK, and India. Affected departments include artificial intelligence, Copilot, finance, human resources, Xbox, Windows, and devices. However, not all Microsoft employees are eligible for the program, with certain sectors such as marketing, business, and security being excluded.
Despite the large number of eligible employees, Microsoft does not expect all 60,000 to leave the company. Reports suggest that the company anticipates around 3,000 employees or less to accept the offer, which is about 5% of the eligible group. This indicates that the number 60,000 refers to those who can take advantage of the program, not those who will actually depart.
Microsoft's decision is linked to its strategic shift in recent years, prioritizing investments in artificial intelligence, especially after expanding Copilot and cloud services. The company is investing heavily in infrastructure for AI, including servers, advanced processors, and data centers. Microsoft's capital expenditure is expected to reach $175 billion in 2026, highlighting the resources dedicated to this technological race.
The program is part of Microsoft's efforts to reorganize its workforce and respond to changing business needs, not a plan to replace all employees with new technologies. The company emphasizes that the program aims to adapt to new priorities and does not necessarily mean eliminating all positions, but rather redistributing human resources.
Microsoft's move is part of a wave of transformations in the global tech sector, with major companies restructuring teams and reducing expenses, while increasing spending on AI and cloud computing. The company had previously announced the elimination of around 4,800 jobs in July 2026, equivalent to 2.1% of its global workforce.
The decision raises fundamental questions about the future of the job market in the AI era. The challenge is not limited to the loss of traditional jobs but also the changing nature of required skills within large institutions. There will likely be increased demand for AI, data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development experts, while some administrative and operational tasks may become automated.
Key points
- Microsoft's voluntary departure program is part of its efforts to adapt to changing business needs and technological advancements.
- The program is not a plan to replace all employees with new technologies, but rather to reorganize its workforce.
- The decision raises questions about the future of the job market in the AI era and the changing nature of required skills.
