Almost every 4th Microsoft employee getting voluntary resignation offers: Here is what exit packages include

Microsoft has announced a new Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees in India, the US, the UK and Canada. The programme gives employees an option to leave the company with financial support and career planning resources. Around 60,000 employees are eligible for the offer, according to CNBC. The effort affects roughly one in four of Microsoft’s 2,23,000 workforce. The packages reportedly vary based on an employee’s seniority, location and years of service. Microsoft said the programme aims to provide more flexibility to employees while helping participating teams adjust to changing business needs.

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Who is eligible for Microsoft’s buyout offer?

Microsoft’s voluntary exit programme is available to eligible employees at level 70 and below in participating teams across India, the US, the UK and Canada. However, not every employee at these levels will qualify. 

Microsoft said the offer is for employees who may be considering a future outside the company. The company described it as a way to help them make the transition with support.

Eligible employees are being informed through individual emails containing details of their offers. The programme is voluntary, meaning employees can decide whether they want to accept the package.

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What does Microsoft’s exit package include?

The financial benefits depend on the employee’s internal level and length of service. Business Insider reported that employees at level 64 and below were offered one week of base pay for every six months of service.

Employees at levels 65 to 67 were offered two weeks of base pay for every six months of service. However, standard severance payments for employees at levels 67 and below are capped at 39 weeks of base pay.

The packages also include continued regular stock vesting and health insurance. For employees at levels 67 and below, the standard stock-vesting severance benefit covers six or 12 months, depending on their years of service. The standard severance package for level 68 includes 12 months of salary.

According to reports, eligible employees will have until early December to decide whether to accept the offer. Microsoft said the new programme builds on lessons from its Voluntary Retirement Program earlier this year. The company has not announced plans for another buyout programme at this time.

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