Voluntary exits for 60,000 worldwide
Microsoft has announced a voluntary redundancy offer for approximately 60,000 employees globally, representing more than a quarter of its 223,000-strong workforce as of June 2026. The move, confirmed on Monday 26 October 2026, is part of a restructuring effort driven by the company’s massive investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure. The offer applies to employees at level 70 or below, including senior directors and engineers, but excludes top-tier executives. It is available only in Canada, India, the UK, and the US. Eligible staff will receive an email within hours outlining their individual terms, with decisions due by the first week of December and departures scheduled for the end of 2026. Amy Coleman, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, described the initiative as a "time-limited, voluntary program" designed to give employees support in transitioning to new roles outside the company, while helping business units adapt to shifting priorities.
Severance and participation details
The financial package matches Microsoft’s standard severance terms, including base pay linked to tenure and level, continued stock vesting, healthcare for a fixed period, and career transition support. Unlike an earlier retirement programme, it does not include extended healthcare benefits. Participation is determined at the business-unit level. Teams taking part include Copilot, CoreAI, Windows + Devices, Xbox, finance, and HR. Marketing, commercial business, security, and quantum research teams are excluded from the offer.
Barcelona job cuts separate from global plan
In Spain, Microsoft is implementing a separate collective dismissal procedure (ERE) affecting 64 employees, about 5% of its local workforce. The company has not disclosed how many of those affected are based in Barcelona, where it employs approximately 400 staff. This follows an earlier announcement in September 2025 of workforce adjustments in Madrid and Barcelona. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to expand its physical presence in Barcelona. In August 2026, the company announced a 9,000-square-metre office renovation and expansion in the 22@ district. In March 2025, it launched a digital sales hub serving 13 European countries, aiming to grow from 44 to 250 employees.
King layoffs precede Microsoft’s moves
Microsoft-owned gaming subsidiary King, based in Barcelona and creator of Candy Crush, has already undergone two EREs, 50 layoffs in October 2024 and 66 in August 2025, totaling 116 job losses. These reductions predate the current restructuring but reflect ongoing workforce adjustments within the Microsoft group in the city.
Sources: Crónica Global, TOI Tech Desk.
