MICROSOFT OFFERS FIRST VOLUNTARY RETIREMENT PROGRAM

The initiative marks a historic shift for the 51-year-old software giant, which has never offered such a program in its more than five decades of operation. HR chief Amy Coleman acknowledged the long tenure of affected employees in an internal memo, stating: "Many of these employees have spent years, and in some cases, decades, shaping Microsoft into what it is today." With approximately 125,000 US employees, the program could affect up to 8,750 workers when it launches in May. The voluntary approach differs from Microsoft's recent layoffs, which eliminated 10,000 positions last year as part of broader workforce adjustments. The retirement program coincides with changes to Microsoft's annual rewards and performance evaluation systems. The company has not disclosed specific buyout package details, but voluntary retirement programs typically offer enhanced severance and benefits to encourage departures without involuntary cuts.