More details have emerged about Microsoft’s first voluntary retirement program, including who qualifies, what benefits are being offered, and how much the company expects the move to cost. The program gives eligible longtime US employees a chance to leave with severance, healthcare continuation, and accelerated stock vesting, according to reports from GeekWire and The Times of India. About 8,750 workers, or roughly 7% of Microsoft’s US workforce, qualify for the one-time offer. The new details suggest Microsoft is using a softer workforce-reduction strategy, giving veteran employees a supported exit path rather than relying only on another round of abrupt layoffs. Compensation details According to an internal affairs memo that GeekWire says it reviewed , the company has begun notifying eligible employees of the one-time voluntary retirement opportunity. About 7% of its US-based workforce qualify.…