Google Announces New Voluntary Exit Packages for Global Business Organization Staff
In a significant move to accelerate its artificial intelligence ambitions, Google has reportedly introduced a new round of voluntary exit packages specifically targeting employees within its Global Business Organization (GBO). This latest initiative underscores the tech giant's push to ensure its workforce is fully aligned with its AI-first strategic vision.
Chief Business Officer Issues "All In" Ultimatum
According to an internal memo from Google's Chief Business Officer, Philipp Schindler, the company is offering these packages to employees who may feel "out of sync" with the rapid transformation. Schindler emphasized that while Google finished 2025 in a strong position, the current tech landscape demands a workforce that is entirely committed to embracing AI for greater impact.
"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," Schindler wrote in the memo, as reported by Business Insider. He stated that every member of the business unit needs to be "all in" on the company's AI mission.
The voluntary exit plan provides a severance-backed path for employees who find themselves "not enjoying the pace we need to operate in" or who are simply "ready to move on." This approach allows Google to reshape its workforce without resorting to immediate, involuntary layoffs.
Which Teams Are Impacted and Which Are Excluded
The voluntary exit packages are available to employees in various GBO functions, including:
- Solutions teams
- Sales departments
- Corporate development units
- Other business organization roles
However, Schindler clarified that America's large customer sales teams and other customer-facing roles are not eligible for these programs. "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," he explained in the memo.
Third Voluntary Exit Plan in a Year
This marks Google's third voluntary exit program within the past year, continuing a pattern of using buyouts to streamline operations. Previous initiatives include:
- June 2025: Buyouts offered to US staff during a strict "return-to-office" enforcement period
- October 2025: Exit packages provided to YouTube employees amid broader reorganization efforts
In August 2025, Google's Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi described the Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP) as "actually quite successful" in helping the company streamline its workforce and reduce organizational layers across divisions.
Employee Response and Participation Trends
According to CNBC reports from recent town hall meetings, Cicconi revealed that approximately 5% of employees in key departments have opted into VEP programs this year. These departments include:
- Marketing
- Search operations
- People operations
- Hardware divisions
"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 was quoted as saying. This insight suggests that the programs are attracting employees seeking lifestyle changes or personal development opportunities rather than just those dissatisfied with Google's direction.
The latest voluntary exit initiative reflects Google's ongoing commitment to maintaining a workforce that can keep pace with the rapidly evolving technology sector while minimizing disruptive layoffs. By offering these packages specifically to GBO staff, the company aims to create a business organization that is fully invested in its AI-driven future strategy.
