Microsoft and Skydance announced buyouts. What does it mean for workers in a 'low-hire' market?

Microsoft (MSFT) and Skydance (SKYD) announced voluntary buyouts this week, cutting payrolls amid underlying business shifts and increased investor scrutiny. Microsoft announced its largest voluntary buyout ever, offering it to about one-quarter of its staff, or 60,000 people. Eligible Microsoft employees have until early December to decide whether to accept the voluntary exit offer, with participating workers scheduled to leave by Dec. 31. Skydance is offering some employees a one-time voluntary buyout, three weeks after Paramount Skydance acquired Warner Bros. Discovery in a $111 billion deal.