I recently found out that Microsoft is laying off around 4,800 employees, which is about 2.1% of their global workforce. As part of this layoff plan, they are offering severance packages that include up to 39 weeks of base pay for most US employees. I’ve seen reports that this is similar to a voluntary retirement package they offered back in June, but this time it’s not optional. The minimum severance is 60 days, which is required by federal law. While layoffs are never easy, I can't help but think that packages like this can make the transition a bit smoother for those affected. It’s a solid offer, and I hope it helps those who are impacted find their next opportunity.