Google Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh
sent a memo to employees Thursday about a “voluntary exit program" that applies to U.S. employees working on Platforms & Devices, which includes Android for Auto, TV, Wear OS and XR, as
well as Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Photos, Google One, Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest.
While many people are working around the globe on these projects, today's announcement is aimed at those working
in the United States.
The offer does not apply to Search, AI, or other groups, although Alphabet’s new CFO last October said “driving further efficiencies” was a key priority for 2025.
“The Platforms & Devices team is offering a voluntary exit program that
provides U.S.-based Googlers working on this team the ability to voluntarily leave the company with a severance package," a Google spokesperson told MediaPost. "This comes after we brought two
large organizations together last year. There's tremendous momentum on this team and with so much important work ahead, we want everyone to be deeply committed to our mission and focused on building
great products, with speed and efficiency.”
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The memo, which 9to5Google read, explains this exit program as a beneficial move for those who might not be aligned or passionate
about the combined organization’s mission or the hybrid work requirements.
Google employees who choose to leave will receive a severance package.
Few additional details
were available, but more could be provided soon when the company releases earnings next week.
The program does not appear to coincide with any product roadmap changes.
The teams responsible for Pixel hardware and Android software last year merged into one division. The goal is to streamline the division.