Microsoft announced a one-time voluntary retirement program for eligible US employees, the first in its 51‑year history.
The program targets senior directors and below with age and tenure of at least 70 years, covering about 7% of US staff.
Eligible employees and managers will receive details on May 7, while workers on sales incentive plans are excluded from participation.
Microsoft also decouples stock from cash bonuses in its annual rewards, giving managers greater flexibility to reward high‑performing staff.