Microsoft offers a voluntary severance plan for about 60,000 employees

Microsoft has announced a voluntary severance plan for 60,000 employees across Canada, India, the UK, and the US, representing about a quarter of its global workforce. This initiative aims to provide the company with greater flexibility as it adapts to the new era of artificial intelligence. Employees eligible for the plan will receive benefits similar to standard severance packages. The program is voluntary and time-limited, targeting mid-level and lower executives, while excluding those in data centers, sales, and marketing. Microsoft has previously reduced its workforce through layoffs and early retirement offers, with recent layoffs affecting around 4,800 employees. Despite these changes, Microsoft's stock has reached historic highs, reflecting positive market reception.