New Delhi: Google has launched another voluntary exit programme, this time focused on employees inside its Global Business Organisation. The move signals that the company is tightening its internal alignment around artificial intelligence. According to a report by Business Insider, the announcement came through an internal memo from Google’s Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler.
Google wants teams that are fully committed to its AI-first direction. While the company ended 2025 on a strong note, leadership believes the speed of change demands sharper focus from employees across business functions.
Google asks teams to be “all in” on AI
In the memo reviewed by Business Insider, Schindler wrote, “We’re starting the year in a strong position thanks to everything you accomplished in 2025. But the game is dynamic, the pace is electric, and the stakes are high.”
He added that members of the business unit need to be “all in” on “embracing AI to have even greater impact.”
The voluntary exit package is aimed at those who may feel “out of sync” with the company’s shift. For employees “not enjoying the pace we need to operate in” or those who are “ready to move on,” Google is offering a severance-backed path.
Which teams are included
The programme affects employees across:
- Solutions teams
- Sales
- Corporate development
- Other GBO functions
However, America’s large customer sales teams and certain customer-facing roles are not eligible. Schindler noted, “While all GBO functions are essential to our long-term strategy, we’ve decided not to offer VEP for these particular roles to limit as much disruption to our customers as possible.”
Third buyout round in a year
This is Google’s third voluntary exit plan in a year. In June 2025, the company offered buyouts to US staff during a return-to-office push. In October 2025, similar packages were extended to YouTube employees amid restructuring.
Speaking at a town hall meeting cited by CNBC, Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi described the programme as “actually quite successful.” Around 5 percent of employees in key teams such as marketing, search, people operations and hardware opted in.
“It’s actually quite interesting to see who’s taking a VEP. It’s people sort of wanting a career break, sometimes to take care of family members,” Cicconi said.
From an industry perspective, this approach reflects how tech giants are reshaping teams without immediate layoffs.