Google workers in a number of divisions within the US have been supplied voluntary buyouts as a part of an ongoing effort to cut back headcount, based on varied studies.
“Earlier this 12 months, a few of our groups launched a voluntary exit program with severance for U.S.-based Googlers, and a number of other extra are actually providing this system to assist our essential work forward,” based on Google spokesperson Courtnay Mencini, as quoted by The Related Press.
It’s not publicly recognized what number of workers are impacted by this newest spherical, however the affected divisions embody Data and Data (Ok&I), Engineering, Advertising, Analysis, and Communications. Ok&I, which homes Google’s search, adverts, and commerce divisions, contains 20,000 workers.
It’s reported that Google govt Nick Fox, who spearheads the Ok&I division, despatched out a memo Tuesday saying that the buyout is “…a supportive exit path for these of you who don’t really feel aligned with our technique, don’t really feel energized by your work, or are having issue assembly the expectations of your position.”
Google will not be the one tech firm trying to scale back its workforce; in Could, Microsoft introduced plans to put off 3% of its international workforce to streamline operations.
Sure groups at Google are requiring that distant workers dwelling inside 50 miles of an workplace return to in-person work on a hybrid work schedule, the corporate confirmed to CNBC. The purpose is to carry extra individuals collectively in particular person, based on Mencini.
Google’s earlier buyouts
Google has accomplished periodic buyouts since shedding 12,000 workers in 2023.
As an illustration, in January 2025, US workers within the firm’s {hardware} unit, which incorporates Android, Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Pictures, Google One, and Pixel gadgets, had been supplied the choice to use for buyouts.
The next month, workers in Google’s HR division had been additionally supplied voluntary buyouts, and extra are anticipated within the firm’s authorized and finance groups this 12 months, based on CNBC.
Alphabet CEO: AI shall be an ‘accelator’ and won’t change employees
The most recent buyout gives come as Sunar Pinchai, chief govt officer of Google’s dad or mum firm Alphabet, mentioned earlier this month that AI gained’t take jobs away on the firm. AI shall be an “accelerator” that enhances employee productiveness and won’t change them, Pinchai mentioned. Google expects to extend its engineering headcount within the subsequent 12 months, he added.
Final October, senior VP and CFO of Google and Alphabet Anat Ashkenazi mentioned that driving extra cost-cutting can be considered one of her prime priorities as Google elevated investments in AI infrastructure in 2025.
A report from Orgvue revealed in Could 2025 revealed that greater than half of the businesses which have laid off workers on account of investments in AI have since regretted the choice.
Learn extra at TechRepublic: Google to Lower Bonuses for Underperforming Employees Underneath New Rewards Framework