The short answer: Microsoft says it wants to reshape its workforce as AI changes how work gets done. On October 26, 2026 it offered voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees, roughly 27% of its 223,000-person workforce, though it expects only 3% to 5% of them, fewer than 3,000 people, to accept, according to The Seattle Times. On The Pomp Podcast, Jordi Visser called it a "labor" versus "capital" story that "does not get enough press."
Drawing on The Pomp Podcast, hosted by Anthony Pompliano (anthonypompliano.com), with guest Jordi Visser (episode released October 31, 2026).
Jordi raised the Microsoft news on the October 31 episode as one of the most underappreciated stories of the week. Here is what Microsoft announced, what the numbers say, and why Jordi sees it as a signal about AI.
What did Microsoft announce?
In a company blog post on October 26, Microsoft introduced a voluntary exit offer. According to CNBC and The Seattle Times, about 60,000 employees at level 70 and below in the U.S., Canada, India and the U.K. are eligible. Employees have until early December to decide and would leave on December 31.
How many Microsoft employees are expected to take the buyout?
Far fewer than are eligible. Microsoft expects 3% to 5% uptake, or fewer than 3,000 people, The Seattle Times reported. Its earlier buyout program was offered to roughly 8,700 to 9,000 people, about 7% of its U.S. workforce, according to The Seattle Times and NBC News / Reuters. The company also cut about 4,800 jobs in July.
Why does Jordi Visser think the buyouts matter?
"The Microsoft news does not get enough press. 60,000 people is 27% of their employees," Jordi said. He argued that offering the program to a group about six to seven times larger than last time says something about where Microsoft thinks AI is taking its business: "what is that saying about their expectations about what AI is going to enable their business to be like in the future?"
He tied it to a bigger theme: a shift from labor to capital as companies spend on AI. NBC News / Reuters reported Microsoft is forecasting about $175 billion in capital spending. Jordi said the story is "much, much bigger than people realize because we're just entering the productivity boom." For more, see Is the AI Spending Boom a Bubble? and What Is Anthropic?
How much could the Microsoft buyouts cost?
Microsoft has not said. On the show, Jordi ran an illustration using his own assumption: "let's assume it's $400,000 a person," which across 60,000 people would be "$24 billion." That is a hypothetical, not a company figure, and actual uptake is expected to be a small fraction of those eligible. He also raised a policy angle: if companies replace workers with AI, governments could collect less in payroll-related tax receipts.
Key takeaways
Microsoft offered voluntary buyouts to about 60,000 employees on October 26, 2026, roughly 27% of its workforce.
It expects fewer than 3,000 people (3% to 5%) to accept, according to The Seattle Times.
The prior program was offered to about 8,700 to 9,000 people.
Jordi Visser sees it as a sign of how much Microsoft expects AI to change its business.
His $24 billion cost figure is a hypothetical based on his own $400,000-per-person assumption.
Best quotes from this episode
"The Microsoft news does not get enough press. 60,000 people is 27% of their employees."
"they believe they can do this buyout at five to six or six to seven times the last one, what is that saying about their expectations about what AI is going to enable their business to be like in the future?"
"much, much bigger than people realize because we're just entering the productivity boom."
FAQ
How many Microsoft employees were offered buyouts?
About 60,000, roughly 27% of Microsoft's approximately 223,000 employees, announced October 26, 2026.
How many Microsoft employees are expected to accept?
Microsoft expects 3% to 5% uptake, fewer than 3,000 people, according to The Seattle Times.
When do Microsoft employees have to decide?
Eligible employees have until early December 2026 to decide and would leave on December 31.
Who is eligible for the Microsoft buyout?
Employees at level 70 and below in the U.S., Canada, India and the U.K.
Why is Microsoft offering buyouts?
Microsoft says it is reshaping its workforce as AI changes how work gets done. Jordi Visser sees it as a signal of the company's AI expectations.
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Watch or listen to the full episode
Hear Jordi Visser explain why the Microsoft buyouts matter.
"Bitcoin Survives Biggest Crypto Hack In History?!" with Jordi Visser, October 31, 2026. The Microsoft discussion starts around the 24-minute mark.
Sources
Last updated: October 31, 2026
About The Pomp Podcast
The Pomp Podcast is hosted by Anthony Pompliano and covers the future of business, finance and technology. The show features Pomp's conversations with founders, investors and economists about bitcoin, markets, AI and the economy. Follow The Pomp Podcast on X.
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This article reflects the opinions of the guests and host as shared on The Pomp Podcast. It is guest opinion, not investment advice. Do your own research before making any investment decision.
