Microsoft does pay bonuses and stock refreshers, but outside of one-time “Special stock awards” (which I’ve heard is mainly reserved for retention of people likely to jump ship), the refreshers aren’t very significant until you reach level 65 (principal). At least compared to refreshers at other major tech companies.

It depends on the exact level and how well the employee negotiated their sign-on RSUs, but most employees are going to face a compensation cliff of some sort at the 4 year mark.

Level 65 is not Principal across the orgs (I’m an IC6 and reached Principal below that). My experience is different (or else I got retention every year…)

Downvoters should realize their org isn’t special in any way.