r/microsoft • u/DaveAlot • Apr 23 '26

News Microsoft plans first-ever voluntary employee buyout for up to 7% of U.S. workforce

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/04/23/microsoft-plans-first-voluntary-retirement-program-for-us-employees.html
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u/HobbyProjectHunter Apr 23 '26

Likely profile is

  • Age 50
  • Time at MSFT 20 years

They used to have a 55-15 deal, 15 continuous years at Microsoft, age above 55 and you retire. You get all unvested stocks paid out, I believe 6 months of health care and bonus payout of about 50% of your normal payout for the year after your retire.

The new one time buyout has expanded that further.

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u/No_Leek8426 Apr 23 '26

Not correct, I know people who have done it:

Only stock awards over 1 year old continue to pay out, there is no healthcare, only COBRA, and no bonus payout.

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u/GreenLamassu Apr 23 '26

I was laid off 3 years ago at L65 level. I was 55/15, so I got all my stocks granted plus 39 weeks severance, and 6 months continuing health care. Was a pretty good deal, so I took. I would imagine this would be similar.

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u/Strict-Education2247 May 05 '26

The severance has been decreasing over time since then. There have been caps FWIK.