Google Expands Voluntary Exit, Tightens US Hybrid Work Rules

Google is expanding its voluntary exit program with severance packages to U.S.-based employees across several key teams, including Core Engineering, Marketing, Research, Knowledge & Information, and Communications, as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline operations and focus resources on artificial intelligence development. The program, which offers severance estimated at around 14 weeks of base pay plus additional pay based on years of service, follows earlier buyout offers made to Platforms and Devices, People Operations, Legal, and Finance teams. In tandem with this, Google is enforcing a tighter hybrid work policy, requiring remote employees living within 50 miles of an office to return to in-person work at least three days a week, aiming to enhance collaboration amid rapid changes driven by AI advancements. While Google stresses that the voluntary exit program is not a layoff and is designed to support employees who no longer align with the company’s direction, some employee unease persists given the company’s history of previous layoffs following similar buyout initiatives. Alphabet’s CFO has emphasized cost-cutting to fund a substantial increase in AI-related capital spending planned for 2025, signaling a major strategic pivot. These moves reflect Google's broader strategy to reduce workforce size while investing heavily in AI infrastructure and enforcing closer in-office collaboration to drive innovation.