Microsoft introduces voluntary exit offer to eligible employees across four countries

Eligible employees in Canada, India, the UK, and the US can opt to leave with financial support and career planning resources under the time-limited programme.

Microsoft has introduced a new Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees in participating organisations across Canada, India, the UK, and the US, giving them the option to leave the company with financial support and career planning resources.

In a communication to employees, Amy Coleman, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Microsoft, said the offer is intended for employees who may be considering opportunities outside the company. It also gives participating organisations another way to adapt their workforce to changing business needs.

Microsoft made a similar offer to eligible US employees under a one-time retirement programme back in April this year – said to be a first for the company.

According to CNBC, about 60,000 employees are eligible for the offer, representing approximately 27% of Microsoft's total workforce of 223,000. CNBC said the figure was shared by a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named while discussing an internal matter. 

Voluntary exit offer varies by team

The VEO is available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams across the four countries. However, not all Microsoft organisations are offering the programme, with participation depending on individual business priorities, customer commitments, and workforce needs.

Eligible employees were told to expect an email with a link to their individual offer details.

Coleman said the initiative builds on lessons from Microsoft's Voluntary Retirement Programme earlier in 2026. She added that the company is seeking to provide greater flexibility and, where possible, give employees more say in planning their next career move.

The time-limited programme offers eligible employees the opportunity to consider a transition outside Microsoft with financial support and resources to help plan their next steps. The company has not publicly detailed the individual terms of the offer in the employee communication.

Microsoft to continue supporting internal career growth

Alongside the VEO, Microsoft will continue helping employees focus on key priorities, develop new skills and explore suitable opportunities within the company.

Coleman acknowledged that workforce changes may require different approaches across teams and individuals, adding that the company would continue to learn from the new programme.

She said Microsoft would aim to provide clarity, listen to employee feedback, and make improvements as it gains experience with the offer.

Human Resources Online has reached out to Microsoft for comment and will update the article upon receiving a response.

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