ZURICH, Nov 4 – Google has expanded its voluntary employee buyout programme to selected workers in five countries as its parent company, Alphabet, looks to manage costs while increasing investment in artificial intelligence (AI).
The programme was introduced in June for selected employees in Canada, France, Germany, Japan and Switzerland.
Google confirmed the expansion to Reuters. However, the company has not disclosed how many employees have accepted the latest offers.
The move forms part of Google’s wider effort to adjust its workforce and redirect resources towards key business priorities.
Five countries included in the latest buyout programme
The latest round covers selected employees in five countries.
They are Canada, France, Germany, Japan and Switzerland.
The programme follows similar voluntary exit offers introduced for some Google teams in the United States and Britain since 2025.
A voluntary buyout allows eligible employees to leave a company in exchange for financial compensation. It gives workers the option to resign rather than wait for possible job cuts.
Google said the programme supports the company’s future priorities and ongoing business plans.
Google excludes key AI and cloud divisions
The latest programme appears to exclude employees working in important growth areas, including Google Cloud and its AI research division, DeepMind.
These divisions remain among Alphabet’s key hiring priorities as the company expands its AI and cloud computing operations.
The decision reflects Google’s efforts to shift resources towards areas it considers important for future growth.
At the same time, the company is facing rising costs as competition in artificial intelligence intensifies.
Switzerland employees offered up to 12 months’ salary
In Switzerland, where Google employs around 5,000 people, the voluntary exit programme covered several divisions but excluded DeepMind.
Employees were informed about the offer in mid-June. Those who applied received responses by mid-July, while departures began in August.
Under the package, employees who accepted received one month’s salary for every year of service, up to a maximum of 12 months.
One source familiar with the matter said at least four employees in a team of around 50 had accepted the offer.
Google previously cut more than 200 jobs in Switzerland in 2023. The move triggered employee protests and a walkout.
AI investment drives workforce changes
Google’s latest move comes as major technology companies continue to invest heavily in artificial intelligence.
Alphabet has been increasing spending on AI infrastructure and cloud computing while reviewing how resources are allocated across its business.
Other technology companies are also exploring voluntary exit programmes to manage workforce costs.
Microsoft, for example, recently offered voluntary buyout packages to around 60,000 employees.
These developments highlight how the technology industry’s growing focus on AI is influencing business strategies, hiring priorities and workforce planning.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
