Hyderabad: Google has expanded its voluntary exit programme to selected employees in five countries. The move comes as the technology giant increases artificial intelligence investments and reviews workforce costs.
The latest expansion covers eligible employees in Canada, France, Germany, Japan and Switzerland. Google introduced the offers in June 2026 but has not disclosed the number of eligible employees.
The company has also not revealed how many employees have accepted the packages. Eligibility depends on the employee’s division, role and location.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the expansion to Reuters. The spokesperson said some US-based teams introduced voluntary exit programmes with severance packages in 2025.
Google expanded the programme internationally in June 2026. The company said the initiative would support its future business priorities.
What Is Google’s Voluntary Buyout Package?
The most detailed information about the package has emerged from Switzerland. Employees accepting the offer reportedly received one month’s salary for every completed year of service.
However, the payout was capped at 12 months’ salary. Therefore, employees with 12 or more years of service could receive up to one year’s salary.
Google announced the programme to Swiss employees in mid-June. It informed applicants about the outcome by mid-July.
Employees accepting the offer began leaving the company in August, according to Reuters. The severance terms in the other four countries remain undisclosed.
It is unclear whether Google uses the same payment formula across all five countries.
Which Google Teams Qualify for Voluntary Buyouts?
Google’s voluntary exit programme does not cover every employee. Eligibility varies according to business division, role and country.
In Switzerland, the programme reportedly covered several divisions. However, Google’s AI research unit DeepMind was excluded.
Previous voluntary exit offers also reportedly excluded Google Cloud and DeepMind employees. Both businesses remain important to Alphabet’s long-term strategy.
Google introduced similar programmes in the United States and United Kingdom from 2025. In June 2025, selected US employees received voluntary exit offers.
The eligible divisions included communications, core, knowledge and information, marketing, and research. Google’s Knowledge and Information division includes Search, advertising and commerce.
In February 2026, Google extended another voluntary exit programme to selected Global Business Organisation employees. Eligible functions included solutions teams, sales and corporate development.
However, large customer sales teams and certain customer-facing roles were excluded. Google sought to avoid disrupting important customer relationships.
Therefore, eligibility conditions have differed across previous rounds. Employees should check their specific programme terms before making decisions.
How Many Google Employees Are Eligible?
Google has not disclosed the total number of employees eligible for the latest international programme. The company has also not revealed acceptance figures.
Switzerland offers a limited indication of employee participation. Google employs around 5,000 people in the country, including a major engineering workforce in Zurich.
One person familiar with the programme told Reuters that at least four employees accepted the offer. They belonged to a team of approximately 50 employees.
However, this figure covers only one team. It does not represent total acceptance across Switzerland or the other countries.
Google has not announced a global workforce reduction target linked to the programme.
Why Is Google Offering Voluntary Exit Packages?
Google is increasing investments in AI models, computing infrastructure and data centres. At the same time, Alphabet is reviewing operating costs and workforce priorities.
The company is shifting resources towards businesses considered important for future growth. AI and cloud computing remain key strategic areas.
Voluntary exit programmes also give employees an opportunity to leave with financial compensation. They can consider other career options without waiting for possible restructuring.
However, voluntary exits do not necessarily rule out further layoffs. Reuters has reported at least one instance where Google followed voluntary exit offers with job cuts in a division.
Microsoft Also Announces Buyout Offer for 60,000 Employees
Google’s latest move follows Microsoft’s announcement of a voluntary exit programme. The offer reportedly covers around 60,000 employees, representing nearly 27% of its global workforce.
Microsoft announced its Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) on October 26, 2026. Eligible employees include those at internal job level 70 and below in the United States, India, the United Kingdom and Canada.
The programme covers selected business divisions rather than the entire workforce. Reportedly included teams include Copilot, AI Experiences, Windows + Devices, Xbox, finance and human resources.
Sales, marketing, commercial business and security functions are among the reported exclusions. Some senior executives are also eligible under the programme.
The financial package varies according to location, salary, seniority and years of service. In India, the reported offer includes one month’s base salary for every completed year of service.
The package also includes health insurance and career transition assistance. Eligible employees in India have until December 1 to accept the offer.
Departures are expected by the end of December. Microsoft has not disclosed how many employees it expects to accept the offer.
The two programmes highlight workforce adjustments across major technology companies. Both companies are balancing employee costs with growing investments in artificial intelligence.
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