Search engine giant Google is reportedly offering buyouts to employees in what seems to be a bid to avoid layoffs. The last round of layoffs conducted by Google had invited criticism as 12,000 employees wereclet go. The current Google buyout aims at reducing headcount of its US-based employees across Search, marketing, research, and ads units.
In an internal memo sent to Google employees, media reports suggest that the SVP of Google search has suggested that the company aims at focusing on its AI strategy, and any employee who does not feel aligned with this strategy may choose the Google buyout option. The voluntary exit program or the buyout is when a company offers employees a financial package, like severance pay, to leave their job voluntarily. It helps reduce staff without forced layoffs, often during cost-cutting or restructuring.
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Google is reportedly offering up to 14 weeks of salary plus more based on tenure. The company is diverting its funds to further its AI strategies. However, while this voluntary buyout program may be an opportunity for some, it has also led to fears of future job cuts. Apart from employees across the knowledge and information teams, research, central engineering, marketing and communications teams may also be impacted by the latest development.
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In addition to this, employees who are working remotely have been asked to work from office, in what seems to bid to save their jobs. “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 spokesperson Courtenay Mencini has confirmed according to CNBC.
The internal memo states that employees who were performing “really” well, and felt energised by the upcoming opportunities did not have to take the Google buyout. “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,” adds the memo.
