Google offers 'voluntary exit' scheme for US-based employees amid mega AI push

Google has offered buyouts to thousands of its US-based employees as part of its cost-cutting efforts amid the rise of artificial intelligence and massive investments in the technology.

The “voluntary exit” has been offered to employees from the search organisation and core engineering teams, among others. The Verge obtained a memo sent out to employees by Nick Fox, the head of Google’s Knowledge and Information group, saying that the buyout program 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.”

Google has increasingly turned to voluntary buyouts as its preferred approach to reducing staff, following criticism over its January 2023 layoffs that cut 12,000 jobs. Throughout 2024 and 2025, several divisions—including the Pixel and Android teams—have introduced similar exit programs.

A separate memo sent by Jen Fitzpatrick, Senior Vice President of Core Systems, and viewed by Business Insider, said, “We’ve seen positive feedback across the company in other orgs who have offered similar programs.”

She added that the voluntary exit program “may be a fit for Core Googlers who aren’t feeling excited about and aligned with Core’s mission and goals.”

Fox encouraged high-performing employees to stay back, saying, “If you’re excited about your work, energised by the opportunity ahead, and performing well, I really (really!) hope you don’t take this! We have ambitious plans and tons to get done.”

The voluntary exit programs reflect CFO Anat Ashkenazi’s October pledge to prioritise cost-cutting as Google ramps up AI infrastructure investments in 2025. Similar efforts are underway this year, as the company seeks to lower operational expenses while retaining key talent in strategic areas.

In January 2023, Google-parent Alphabet announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, or 6 per cent of its global workforce. It had 183,323 employees as of December 31, 2024.