Google Offers Voluntary Buyouts amid Restructuring Plans

Google has a voluntary exit program in the U.S. to reduce costs, simplify business organizations, and enhance the 2025 AI investment targets.

The voluntary exit program (VEP) is a program introduced by Google to employees in some of its U.S.-based divisions as an indication of further cost-cutting measures in 2025. According to CNBC, the buyout offer cuts across several departments, such as knowledge and Information, central engineering, marketing, research and communications.

In a memo highlighting the program, Google executive Nick Fox noted that it is intended to help employees who are not feeling right with the company's strategy or role expectations. Still, he urged those who love their work to stay, as there are big plans ahead.

The technology powerhouse has not commented on the number of employees that will participate, yet the initiative is part of a wider restructuring strategy, such as the recent 2023 layoffs that covered 12,000 positions. Only U.S.-based employees are eligible for this plan, which also includes severance packages.

Google also advocates a return-to-office policy, meaning those who work remotely and live within 50 miles of an office are expected to go back to the office. This follows as CFO Anat Ashkenazi keeps balancing the cost-cutting and increasing investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2025.

The recent action is an indication of Google attempting to simplify business operations and help sustain innovation ambitions.