Microsoft Initiates First Voluntary Retirement Program for 7% of US Employees Amid Significant AI Investment

Microsoft has introduced its inaugural voluntary retirement program, inviting around 7% of its US workforce—approximately 8,750 employees—to participate. This initiative, revealed by Chief People Officer Amy Coleman, uses a “Rule of 70” formula, which adds an employee's age to their years of service to determine eligibility. The program mainly targets employees at the senior director level and below, with further details expected on May 7. This move comes as Microsoft accelerates its commitment to a massive $80 billion investment in artificial intelligence technology.