Google Offers Buyouts To Employees Across Teams, US Workers To Be Most Affected
Google has started offering voluntary buyouts to employees across multiple departments in a push to streamline operations and manage costs, according to reports.
Google has initiated a fresh round of voluntary buyouts for employees across several departments in an effort to pare down its workforce. The departments include knowledge and information (K&I), central engineering, marketing, and research and communications, according to a CNBC report.
The K&I division — responsible for the company's core functions such as search, advertising, and commerce — is said to be significantly affected. This unit, which houses around 20,000 employees, underwent a leadership shift in October 2024, with executive Nick Fox taking charge.
Fox addressed employees directly. He stated that while he hopes high-performing and motivated staff remain, the company is offering an alternative path for those struggling to align with current expectations or strategy, the CNBC report added, citing a memo.
"I want to be very clear: If you’re excited about your work, energised by the opportunity ahead, and performing well, I really (really!) hope you don’t take this! We have ambitious plans and tons to get done," Fox wrote.
At the same time, he noted that the voluntary exit programme was intended to offer a "supportive exit path" for those who may be struggling with performance expectations or no longer feel aligned with the team’s direction.
The move comes as part of Google’s broader shift toward cost efficiency, particularly in light of rising investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure slated for 2025. CNBC reported on June 10 that the company is also restructuring its internal learning platform, scaling back "nice-to-have" initiatives in favour of upskilling employees on AI-related tools and business-critical functions.
US-Based Employees To Be Most Affected
Though the exact number of staff offered the buyout remains unclear, The Information earlier reported that offers had been extended to personnel within the search and ads divisions.
The voluntary exit programme (VEP) applies to US-based employees, with some teams also mandating hybrid work for remote staff living within 50 miles of a Google office. The company stated that the policy aims “to bring folks more together in-person,” the report added.
Significant Layoff Since 2023
This is not the first time Google has turned to buyouts as an alternative to layoffs. Since its widely criticised decision to cut 12,000 roles, which was roughly 6% of its global workforce, in 2023, the company has offered voluntary exits across various units.
In January, the Platforms and Devices team, which includes Android, Chrome, Google Photos and Pixel products, extended buyout offers to full-time US employees. February saw a similar offer rolled out to the People Operations unit, Google’s HR department. Legal and finance teams have also followed suit, said a company spokesperson, according to the CNBC report.
However, the offers are not without strings. Alongside voluntary exits, Google has made it clear that some remote employees must return to physical offices if they wish to retain their roles. In April, CNBC had reported that remote staff refusing to resume in-office work could find themselves vulnerable to broader cost-cutting measures.
