Microsoft is laying off its employee quarter.

Microsoft is offering voluntary severance packages to around 60,000 employees to reduce operational costs and free up resources for AI investments. The program affects workers in the US, Canada, India, and the UK, particularly in departments related to AI development, finance, HR, Xbox, and Windows. However, employees in marketing, commercial, and cybersecurity roles are excluded from layoffs. The company clarified that this is not about mandatory layoffs but rather financially supported voluntary departures. This cost-cutting initiative aligns with Microsoft's plan to invest $175 billion in AI and data centers by 2026. Earlier this year, Microsoft had already offered similar options to 9,000 US employees and announced further job cuts in July.