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Google offers “voluntary exit” to all US platforms and devices employees

Feb 01, 2025 - theverge.com
Chris Welch reports on Google's recent internal developments, highlighting concerns over potential layoffs in 2025. Google has introduced a "voluntary exit program" for its US employees working on Android, Pixel hardware, and other projects, offering severance to those willing to leave. This move, communicated by SVP Rick Osterloh, follows the merging of Google's Android and hardware teams to enhance AI integration. The program is seen as a possible precursor to layoffs if insufficient employees opt for the buyout. Google's focus on cost efficiencies, as emphasized by CFO Anat Ashkenazi, aims to balance the significant investments in AI.

Despite the challenges, Google's Pixel phones have shown improved sales, achieving their highest-ever quarterly sales volume in Q3 2024. However, employee anxiety persists, with some circulating a petition urging CEO Sundar Pichai to consider voluntary buyouts before layoffs. The voluntary exit program currently does not extend to other divisions like search or DeepMind AI. The situation reflects broader concerns about job security and the company's financial strategies amidst its AI investment push.

Key takeaways:

  • Google has introduced a voluntary exit program for US employees working on Android, Pixel hardware, and other projects, offering severance for those who choose to leave.
  • The voluntary exit program may be a precursor to layoffs if not enough employees opt for the buyout.
  • Google combined its Android and hardware teams to streamline operations and integrate AI features more quickly, with a focus on cost efficiencies.
  • Google's Pixel phones achieved their highest-ever quarterly sales volume in Q3 2024, despite not matching the sales numbers of Apple and Samsung.
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