Google offers buyouts to employees across the company, including Search

Core Insights - Google is offering buyouts to employees across various divisions, including knowledge and information, central engineering, marketing, research, and communications, as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce headcount after previously laying off 12,000 employees in 2023 [1][2] Group 1: Buyout Program Details - The buyouts are part of a "voluntary exit program" that applies to U.S.-based employees, with some teams requiring remote workers living within 50 miles of an office to return to a hybrid work schedule [2] - The knowledge and information unit, which includes approximately 20,000 employees, underwent a re-organization in October, with Nick Fox now leading the unit [3] - Fox's memo indicated that employees not meeting expectations may consider the buyout, while those performing well are encouraged to stay [4] Group 2: Strategic Focus and Cost-Cutting - The buyouts align with the finance chief's priority to drive cost-cutting measures as Google plans to increase spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure in 2025 [4] - Other divisions, such as "Platforms and Devices" and "People Operations," have also offered voluntary buyouts this year, and some remote employees have been mandated to return to the office to avoid broader cost cuts [5] Group 3: Internal Changes - Google is revamping its internal learning platform to focus on teaching employees how to use modern AI tools, shifting from less essential programs to more business-critical offerings [6]