Microsoft offers buyouts to 60,000 workers as it pours money into AI

Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, or roughly one-quarter of its global workforce, as the technology giant invests more in artificial intelligence.

So-called voluntary exit offers are available to eligible employees in Canada, India, the United Kingdom and the U.S., Microsoft said in announcing the buyout program on Monday. Employees must be at the vice president level or below to qualify for a buyout. 

“This offer gives eligible employees who may be considering a future outside the company a new choice to make that transition now with support,” Amy Coleman, Microsoft’s chief people officer, said in a memo to employees. 

Microsoft expects