In or out? | Google offers voluntary exits in business division as AI adoption intensifies

Google is offering voluntary exit packages to some employees in its global business organization as the leadership calls for stronger alignment with artificial intelligence initiatives and operational priorities.

An internal email from Google Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler informed staff that employees in certain US-based roles could choose to leave the company with severance.

"We're starting the year in a strong position thanks to everything you accomplished in 2025," Schindler wrote in the memo, according to  Business Insider. "But the game is dynamic, the pace is electric, and the stakes are high."

The voluntary exit program applies to selected roles within the global business organization, including employees working on solutions teams, sales, corporate development, and other functions.

AI focus shapes workforce decisions

Schindler told employees that teams within the business unit must fully commit to the company’s direction around artificial intelligence and operational execution.

He said everyone in GBO needs to be "all in" on the mission and "embracing AI to have even greater impact".

The voluntary program is intended in part for employees who were not "enjoying the pace we need to operate in" or who are "ready to move on from Google," according to the memo.

Not all roles within the organization are included. Large customer sales teams and other customer-facing positions are excluded from the voluntary exit option.

"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," Schindler wrote.

Part of broader workforce restructuring

The move follows similar buyout offers made by Google across other parts of the company over the past year.

Last June, the company offered buyouts to some US-based employees while enforcing its return-to-office mandate. Another round of buyouts was offered to YouTube employees in October as part of a reorganization.

The latest voluntary exit program reflects continued adjustments inside Google’s business operations as leadership emphasizes performance expectations, customer continuity, and AI adoption within key teams.

It also illustrates how workforce planning inside large technology companies is increasingly tied to operational speed, organizational focus, and the adoption of emerging technology solutions.