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Google has offered to buy workers out of their employment contracts across several of its divisions, according to reports.
Sources have told CNBC that the invitation for employees to leave the company spans engineering teams, marketing, research and communications.
The buyouts are an effort to reduce headcount without immediately resorting to layoffs, and have been implemented by Google in several stages since 2023 when 12,000 job cuts were made.
The number of employees being offered the buyout - described as a “voluntary exit program” - has not been disclosed, but it is said to apply to U.S. staff only.
Those within a 50-mile radius of a Google office are also being told to return to the office on a hybrid routine, CNBC said.
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Courtenay Mencini, a spokesperson for Google, told CNBC: “Earlier this year, some of our teams introduced a voluntary exit program with severance for U.S.-based Googlers, and several more are now offering the program to support our important work ahead.”
Google executive Nick Fox issued a memo to staff this week, saying: “I want to be very clear: If you’re excited about your work, energized 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.
“On the other hand, this VEP offers a supportive exit path for those of you who don’t feel aligned with our strategy, don’t feel energized by your work, or are having difficulty meeting the expectations of your role.”
