Google is offering voluntary buyouts to US-based employees primarily in its Search organization, as well as in marketing, research, and core engineering divisions. These buyouts are not currently available to employees in DeepMind, Google Cloud, YouTube, or the central ad sales team. Earlier this year, employees in the platforms and services group, including Android and Pixel, were offered buyouts before layoffs occurred. The buyouts provide a minimum of 14 weeks’ pay, with a July 1st deadline to enroll. It remains unclear if additional layoffs will follow this buyout offer.
Buyout Program Details and Purpose
Nick Fox, head of Google’s “Knowledge and Information” group (which includes Search), described the buyout program as a “supportive exit path” for employees who feel misaligned with Google’s strategy, lack motivation, or struggle to meet role expectations. The program aims to help those who do not feel energized by their work or aligned with company goals.
Return-to-Office Policy and Internal Feedback
Separately, some Google divisions, including YouTube, require US employees living within 50 miles of an office to return to in-person work at least three days a week by September, or face layoffs with severance. Jen Fitzpatrick, a senior engineering executive, noted positive feedback from other organizations within Google that have offered similar buyout programs. She emphasized the importance of in-person collaboration for innovation and quick progress.
The buyout initiative reflects Google’s effort to align its workforce with its evolving strategy while encouraging greater in-person collaboration.
