Microsoft is introducing its first voluntary retirement option for long-serving employees in the United States, according to reports that describe terms made available ahead of schedule on the company’s internal HR site. The company plans to offer a buyout package to eligible employees as part of efforts to reduce headcount ahead of the next fiscal year, following recent layoffs and executive departures.
Multiple outlets report that the offer targets a group of more than 8,500 US employees. The package includes healthcare coverage for up to five years, with one year described as fully paid. In addition, Microsoft is offering cash severance that can extend up to 39 weeks of pay, alongside accelerated vesting for stock held by participating employees.
Microsoft’s internal communication of the terms is reported to have occurred earlier than employees expected, and the company is presenting the program as voluntary, giving eligible employees the option to retire under the outlined terms.
