Google Announces Voluntary Buyouts Amid AI-Driven Restructuring

Swift Summary

• Voluntary Exit Program: Google is offering certain US-based employees a voluntary exit option with severance pay of over 14 weeks.
• Affected Teams: Employees from Search, Core Engineering, Knowledge & Details, Marketing and Communications are eligible for the program. They must decide by early July.
• Reason Behind Program: The initiative aligns with Google’s increased focus on AI projects like gemini and AI-powered Search amidst an ongoing AI-focused restructuring. It aims to retain employees who align with the company’s future goals.
• Severance Approach: The move follows criticism Google faced for abrupt layoffs in January 2023 when it laid off 6% of its staff without notice, sparking backlash.
• Work Policy Changes: Employees living within 50 miles of a Google office are now required to work in-office at least three days per week to enhance collaboration-especially within teams working on AI.

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