Amid the ongoing mass layoffs in the tech sector, Google has offered voluntary exit packages to some employees in its business unit. In an e-mail sent to Google employees, known as Googlers, on Tuesday (February 10), chief business officer Philipp Schindler informed that certain teams within the Global Business Organisation (GBO) could voluntarily leave the company with a severance package, according to a report by NDTV.
Schindler stressed the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) moving forward. He told everyone in GBO they needed to be fully committed and embrace AI to make a bigger impact. He added that even though 2025 was expected to be a successful year, the company aimed for greater intensity this year.
Also Read | How Google is making it easier to remove non-consensual images online. All you need to know
'All in' ultimatum issued
"We're starting the year in a strong position thanks to everything you accomplished in 2025, but the game is dynamic, the pace is electric, and the stakes are high," Schindler wrote in the memo, as reported by Business Insider.
The offer is aimed at employees who may feel 'out of sync' with Google's fast shift to being an 'AI-first' company. Schindler's memo stated that every member of the business unit needs to be "all in" on "embracing AI to have even greater impact". For those who are "not enjoying the pace we need to operate in" or who are simply "ready to move on", the company is offering a severance-supported exit option.
Which teams will be affected?
The employees working on solutions teams, sales, corporate development are likely to be impacted. Schindler also mentioned that America's large customer sales teams and other customer-facing roles are not eligible for the programmes.
"While all GBO functions are essential to our long-term strategy, we've decided not to offer VEP for these particular roles to limit as much disruption to our customers as possible," wrote Schindler.
Also Read | Instagram scam alert: How hackers steal accounts using phishing links
Buyouts over layoffs
Employee buyouts provide a voluntary option instead of mass layoffs, allowing companies to cut staff with less impact on their reputation. This method reduces the chances of legal issues and avoids specific regulatory notice requirements, like those for mass layoffs in the US.
This isn't the first time Google has offered voluntary exits to workers. In June of last year, employees in Google's Knowledge and Information and central engineering teams received this option as the company tried to simplify its workforce. In October, it also offered buyouts to YouTube employees during a reorganisation.
