Briefly: A leaked inner memo has revealed that Google is providing voluntary exit packages for workers engaged on the Pixel and Android groups it just lately merged. These not totally vibing with the brand new mixed division can take a severance and peace out.
In an inner memo, Google SVP of Platforms & Units Rick Osterloh introduced that the voluntary separation program applies solely to US-based workers. It is geared toward these engaged on merchandise like Pixel telephones, Android, Chrome OS, Google Pictures, Nest good dwelling gadgets, and the Fitbit wearables line.
The severance presents observe Google’s transfer to merge its Pixel {hardware} group with the Android software program group, forming a single Platforms & Units arm final October. Based on Osterloh’s memo, the voluntary exit path is for any staff who is probably not totally aligned with the unified division’s new mission or are combating their roles or hybrid work necessities following the reorganization.
As 9to5Google notes, Google will present severance packages to anybody who asks, with extra particulars to be shared internally quickly. Curiously, the voluntary exits should not tied to particular product roadmap modifications.
Slicing prices has been a precedence recently for Google’s new CFO, Anat Ashkenazi, who took over the place final October. Throughout a current earnings name, she emphasised the significance of “driving additional efficiencies” throughout Alphabet’s operations.
Google has just lately seen its Pixel smartphone gross sales attain new highs. Analysts from Counterpoint Analysis reported report volumes for the lineup in Q3 2024. Sadly, good efficiency would not essentially relieve an industry-wide pattern to trim prices and streamline operations.
Google’s {hardware} division has additionally been no stranger to restructuring and layoffs. In January 2024, the Pixel/Nest/Fitbit groups underwent an organizational overhaul, transferring to a unified {hardware} engineering construction. Google eradicated a couple of hundred roles in that sweep.
After all, any important mind drain from the exodus might create some short-term disruptions. For Google, taking this passive strategy to rightsizing its mixed Pixel/Android group – reasonably than broad layoffs – is the wisest path ahead.
