Microsoft introduces voluntary exit offer across four countries

Microsoft introduced a voluntary exit offer on Oct. 26 for eligible employees in participating teams in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. The time-limited program applies to staff at level 70 and below, but Microsoft says some organizations are not participating. Eligible employees can leave with financial support and career planning resources, according to the company’s published communication from Chief People Officer Amy Coleman.

Around 60,000 employees are eligible, a Microsoft spokesperson told Business Insider. The spokesperson said the terms would be similar to Microsoft’s standard severance and that eligible employees have until early December to decide whether to leave at the end of the year. Business Insider reports that sales organizations and some engineering and corporate functions are excluded.

Coleman described the offer as a supported choice for employees considering leaving and a way for participating organizations to adapt their workforces. Microsoft says the offer builds on its earlier Voluntary Retirement Program, which Business Insider reports was offered to about 9,000 eligible employees based on age and tenure.