4 key things Google told staff in its memo on Voluntary Exit Program: Employees who are eligible and those who are not and more ...
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Google has recently announced a Voluntary Exit Program (VEP) for employees in specific business units, offering eligible staff the opportunity to leave with a severance package. The program, revealed in an internal memo from Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler, aims to streamline operations and adapt to the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of the tech industry. Schindler emphasized that while the company is starting 2025 on a strong footing, the need for innovation and efficiency remains critical. The VEP is designed to support employees who feel they are not aligned with the company's current pace or strategic direction.
Key details from the memo highlight that certain roles within Google’s global business organization (GBO) are excluded from the program, particularly those in customer-facing positions such as sales teams and corporate development. Schindler explained that these roles were deliberately excluded to minimize disruption to customers and maintain operational continuity. The program is also not open to employees in large customer sales teams or other customer-focused functions, reflecting Google’s priority of preserving relationships with clients.
The memo underscores the company’s continued focus on AI adoption across its business units, with Schindler urging all GBO employees to embrace AI as a tool for greater impact and innovation. This aligns with Google’s broader strategy to integrate AI into its operations, ensuring that employees are fully engaged with emerging technologies. The VEP is part of a broader trend within the tech industry, where companies are increasingly offering buyout packages to restructure teams and adapt to shifting priorities.
This announcement comes after previous rounds of buyouts in 2025, including offers made to YouTube employees during a period of organizational restructuring. Google’s approach reflects a growing tendency among major tech firms to offer voluntary exit programs as a way to manage workforce transitions while maintaining operational stability. For readers interested in global business trends and the evolving dynamics of tech companies, this move highlights the strategic importance of balancing innovation with employee retention and customer
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/15/2026