(Image source from: REUTERS)

In the context of the ongoing large job cuts in the technology industry, Google has proposed voluntary leaving packages to select workers in its business division. In a message sent to its staff, known as Googlers, on Tuesday, February 10, the chief business officer, Philipp Schindler, stated that some teams within the global business organization (GBO) could choose to leave the company with a financial package. Schindler highlighted how vital artificial intelligence (AI) will be moving forward and mentioned that everyone in GBO should be fully committed to and welcoming of AI to achieve an even greater influence. He also said that while 2025 was a successful year, the company aimed for an even stronger performance this year. In his memo, which was made available to Business Insider, Schindler wrote, "We are beginning the year on a strong note due to everything you achieved in 2025, but the situation is constantly changing, the pace is fast, and the stakes are high. "

Schindler informed the workforce that if they were not enjoying the current pace of work or if they were "ready to move on," they could select the buyout option. Workers in solution teams, sales, corporate development, and various other areas have been given VEP offers, while teams involved in customer sales and those who interact directly with customers do not qualify for this program. Schindler explained, "Even though all functions in GBO are crucial to our future plans, we've made the choice not to provide VEP for these specific positions to minimize disruption for our customers. " It's still uncertain how much severance pay Google is providing with the buyout offer. However, last year, CNBC reported that Google gave employees in some departments at least 14 weeks of pay plus an extra week for every complete year of employment as part of a different buyout.

Voluntary buyouts present an option for employees that helps companies lower their staff numbers while causing less damage to their reputation. This method reduces the chance of legal issues and helps avoid certain notification rules that apply to large-scale layoffs in the United States. This is not the first time Google has extended voluntary exit options to its staff. In June of the previous year, workers in Google's Knowledge and Information and central engineering departments were given this choice as the company sought to streamline its staff. In October, buyouts were also offered to YouTube employees during a reorganization.