Microsoft offers 60,000 employees voluntary departure scheme and focuses on AI

Microsoft has introduced a voluntary departure program for employees in the US, Canada, India, and the UK, excluding certain divisions. This initiative aims to support employees seeking new opportunities. The company has previously made staffing adjustments, including offering early retirement to 7% of its US workforce and announcing 4,800 job cuts. Other tech giants like Meta and Amazon are also reducing staff to invest in AI. However, data indicates that productivity gains from AI investments remain limited, with expectations for future improvements. Microsoft will release its quarterly earnings soon, having around 223,000 employees as of June.