Apr 24, 2026 10:55:00

Microsoft is implementing its first-ever voluntary retirement program in its 50+ year history, targeting employees who are '70 years of service + age or older,' with 7% of employees eligible.

Microsoft is reportedly launching its first-ever large-scale voluntary retirement program. Eligibility criteria include having a combined length of service and age of 70 or more, and being a US employee at or below the Senior Director level. Approximately 7% of the workforce is expected to be included.

Microsoft plans first voluntary retirement program for US employees

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/23/microsoft-plans-first-voluntary-retirement-program-for-us-employees.html

Microsoft Offers Voluntary Retirement to About 7% of US Workers (MSFT) - Bloomberg
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-23/microsoft-offers-voluntary-retirement-to-about-7-of-us-workers

Microsoft has conducted two large-scale layoffs in the past year, affecting a total of 15,000 employees.

Microsoft lays off 6,000 people in management restructuring - GIGAZINE

In the July 2025 personnel restructuring, the gaming division was targeted, and development of the reboot of the FPS 'Perfect Dark' was canceled.

Microsoft has laid off 9,000 employees, equivalent to 4% of its workforce, leading to the cancellation of the 'Perfect Dark' reboot and the closure of the studio - GIGAZINE

This voluntary retirement program will target approximately 7% of employees and is available to 'US employees' who are '70 years of service + age or older,' 'at or below the Senior Director level.' Eligible employees and managers will be notified on May 7, 2026. For example, someone who graduated from a four-year bachelor's program and joined Microsoft would have joined at age 22, worked for 24 years, and is currently 46 years of age or older.

News site CNBC reports that Executive Vice President and CPO (Chief Human Resources Officer) Amy Coleman wrote in a document that 'Our hope is that this voluntary retirement program will provide eligible employees with the option to take the next step of their own volition with substantial support from the company.'

The exact number of affected individuals has not been specified, but it is estimated to be 'approximately 7% of employees,' or up to 8,000 people.

According to CNBC, Microsoft has also reviewed its stock option program and shifted its policy to no longer require managers to have a direct link between stock and cash bonuses. Coleman stated that this policy change will give managers 'more flexibility in properly evaluating outstanding performance.'