Microsoft offers voluntary buyouts to thousands of US workers as AI spending takes priority

Microsoft will open a one-time voluntary buyout program in May for some U.S. employees at senior director level and below who meet age and tenure requirements.

The offer covers about 7% of the company’s U.S. workforce, with some sales staff excluded.

The move comes after multiple layoffs since 2023 as Microsoft keeps trimming headcount.

At the same time, Microsoft is increasing capital spending on AI data centers and infrastructure, highlighting how profitable tech firms are reshaping staffing to fund AI expansion.