A yr in the past, Google began off 2024 with some layoffs. It hasn’t taken comparable steps (but) in 2025, however workers are fearing the worst. And if the Platforms and Devices staff is something to go by, there’s ample motive for concern. Google has distributed a memo to all US workers engaged on Android, Pixel {hardware}, and different tasks that gives a “voluntary exit program” guaranteeing severance for anybody prepared to step away from their function on the firm. The memo went out from platforms and gadgets SVP Rick Osterloh, in keeping with 9to5Google.
“This comes after we introduced two massive organizations collectively final yr,” Osterloh wrote. “There’s large momentum on this staff and with a lot vital work forward, we wish everybody to be deeply dedicated to our mission and centered on constructing nice merchandise, with pace and effectivity.” Voluntary buyouts can typically be a precursor to layoffs if not sufficient workers take Google up on its supply and select to depart.
Just a few months later in October, Alphabet’s chief finance officer Anat Ashkenazi stated she would prioritize “value efficiencies” all through the corporate. “There’s actually good work that was performed, began by Ruth, Sundar and the remainder of the lead staff to re-engineer the price base,” she stated throughout her first earnings name as CFO. “But I believe any group can at all times push somewhat additional and I’ll be taking a look at further alternatives.” The cost-cutting measures are partly designed to offset Google pouring a lot cash into AI.
Google’s Pixel telephones have by no means come anyplace near the gross sales numbers loved by Apple and Samsung, however the firm is not less than trending in the fitting route; Counterpoint Research reported that Google recorded its highest-ever quarterly gross sales quantity for smartphones in Q3 2024.
Some workers at Google have not too long ago been circulating a petition that requires CEO Sundar Pichai to supply precisely one of these elective buyout earlier than resorting to involuntary layoffs. “Ongoing rounds of layoffs make us really feel insecure about our jobs,” the petition stated, in keeping with CNBC. “The firm is clearly in a powerful monetary place, making the lack of so many invaluable colleagues with out rationalization harm much more.”
At least in the intervening time, it seems the voluntary exit program hasn’t been prolonged to different divisions inside Google like search or the DeepMind AI staff.
