The K&I sector — which encompasses Google’s primary businesses such as Search, Ads, and Commerce — employs approximately 20,000 people. While it’s unclear how many employees will be affected, a memo reviewed by CNBC indicated that those not meeting performance benchmarks were encouraged to explore the voluntary exit program (VEP).
“I want to be very clear: If you’re passionate about what you do, excited by the future opportunities, and performing well, I genuinely (really!) hope you don’t take this!” wrote K&I leader Nick Fox in the internal communication, according to CNBC. He characterized the buyout as a “supportive exit path” for those who may feel disconnected from the company’s direction.
As per Google spokesperson Courtenay Mencini, the offer is available to US-based Googlers and aligns with similar initiatives launched earlier this year in other departments, including Platforms and Devices, People Operations (HR), Legal, and Finance.
In January and February, Google provided severance packages of up to 14 weeks’ pay, with an additional week for each year of service, as part of its cost-reduction strategy amid increasing investments in AI infrastructure, noted CNBC.
This announcement is part of a larger internal restructuring initiative. Along with the buyouts, CNBC reported that remote employees residing within 50 miles of a Google office are being asked to transition back to hybrid in-office schedules, indicating the company’s changing workforce policies.
This measured strategy comes after employee dissatisfaction over last year’s sudden layoffs, which included long-term employees and those on medical or maternity leave. The current shift toward buyouts is viewed internally as a more compassionate approach to workforce reductions.
Additionally, Google is revamping its internal learning platform to prioritize AI literacy, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on artificial intelligence tools across various teams, CNBC added.
