Microsoft reportedly offers buyouts to 60,000 employees amid AI spending

1. What happened

   According to a Bluesky post, Microsoft is offering voluntary exit packages to about 60,000 employees, described as roughly 27% of its staff. The post does not name a primary news outlet or company statement.

2. When it started

   The trend was first tracked on October 26, 2026, based on the time it started. The exact date of the buyout offer is not stated in the source.

3. How it spread

   Employees would be offered voluntary buyouts, meaning they could choose to leave in exchange for a package. Terms, eligibility, and deadlines were not given in the source.

4. Why it matters

   The source links the offer to growing spending on AI data centers. Microsoft has not been quoted in the material provided, so the company's reasoning is unconfirmed.