Google is reportedly offering voluntary exit packages to certain employees as part of a broader strategic shift aimed at emphasizing artificial intelligence and long-term growth. This initiative was highlighted in a report by Business Insider on February 10, 2026, indicating that the tech giant has begun extending severance offers to selected teams within its Global Business Organization (GBO).
In a memo to staff, Philipp Schindler, Google’s chief business officer, noted that the voluntary exit packages are targeted at employees in the GBO division who might not align with the company’s current pace or direction. “We’re starting the year in a strong position thanks to everything you accomplished in 2025,” Schindler stated. “But the game is dynamic, the pace is electric, and the stakes are high.” He emphasized that the offer is intended for those who are “not enjoying the pace we need to operate in” or those who are “ready to move on from Google.”
The affected roles are expected to be those within the GBO teams in the United States, particularly in solutions teams, sales, corporate development, and other related areas. However, Schindler clarified that not all GBO functions would be eligible for the voluntary exit program to minimize disruption for customers. “While all GBO functions are essential to our long-term strategy, we’ve decided not to offer VEP for these particular roles,” Schindler explained.
Google’s decision to offer voluntary exit packages is not unprecedented. Over the past year, the company had previously extended buyout offers to certain employees in response to a stricter return-to-office mandate. In October 2025, CNBC reported that Google laid off 100 employees in design-related roles as part of its ongoing push towards artificial intelligence. These layoffs impacted teams involved in “quantitative user experience research” and “platform and service experience,” with employees receiving notifications via email.
Earlier in 2025, Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, had also offered voluntary exit packages across several U.S.-based units while implementing significant organizational changes, including a reduction of one-third of managerial roles, as part of efforts to integrate AI tools more deeply into workflows.
As Google continues to refine its focus on artificial intelligence, the voluntary exit packages represent a strategic maneuver to align its workforce with future goals. The company has not yet issued a formal public statement regarding this initiative, but further updates are anticipated.
With the tech industry rapidly evolving, companies like Google are increasingly compelled to adapt their workforce strategies to maintain competitiveness. As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into various business processes, Google’s approach may set a precedent for other firms grappling with similar challenges in workforce alignment.
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