Microsoft offers a quarter of its workforce voluntary severance while shielding AI-critical teams

Microsoft is offering voluntary severance packages to approximately 60,000 employees, marking its second reduction program this year. While the company maintains a stable total headcount of 223,000, it is specifically protecting staff involved in AI-critical initiatives. This move signals a strategic shift in labor allocation, as the organization prepares to invest $170 billion into AI infrastructure by 2026.