Microsoft announced the Voluntary Exit Offer on 26 October 2026, covering about 60,000 employees, roughly 27% of its global workforce. The offer covers eligible staff in participating teams in Canada, India, the UK and the US, reaching senior staff including some with vice president titles, with each business deciding whether to take part. Microsoft told GeekWire there is no age or tenure rule, performance is not a factor, and the sales organization is not taking part. The company says the package matches its standard severance: base pay tied to tenure and level, continued stock vesting, healthcare for a fixed period and career transition help. Microsoft has not published a public cash amount. Employees must decide in early December, and a person familiar with the plan told CNBC that those who accept will leave at the end of December. A spokesperson said the offer does not mean the company needs fewer people, and Microsoft said layoffs remain part of its approach. After the news broke, old "day in the life" videos from Microsoft offices resurfaced on X and Instagram showing free meals, snacks and games between meetings, with some users joking these clips caused the cuts; no verified evidence links perks or lifestyle videos to the decision.