Microsoft has introduced its first-ever voluntary retirement programme for eligible employees as part of its workforce restructuring strategy amid rising investments in artificial intelligence. The one-time programme will be available to around 7 percent of Microsoft’s US workforce. It is aimed at employees at the senior director level and below

Microsoft has announced its first-ever voluntary retirement programme, offering eligible employees the option to retire early as part of its broader workforce restructuring strategy.

The one-time programme will be available to around 7 percent of Microsoft’s US workforce. It is aimed at employees at the senior director level and below.

To be eligible, employees must meet a specific criterion: their age and years of service at Microsoft should add up to 70 or more. This is commonly referred to as the “Rule of 70”.

Employees who are part of sales incentive plans, as well as those above the senior director level, are not eligible for the programme.