Google has announced a voluntary exit program for employees in its Platforms & Devices division. This program is available to US-based employees working on Android (including Auto, TV, Wear OS, and XR), Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Photos, Google One, Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest.
The initiative was communicated via a memo, which confirmed that the program does not extend to other divisions, such as Search or AI. This announcement comes a year after the company merged its Pixel hardware and Android software teams into a single unit.
The merger of Pixel and Android created a large organization with overlapping responsibilities. Over the past few months, employees have gained clarity regarding their roles. Some expressed concerns about the lack of voluntary exit options in previous restructuring efforts. Google’s new program addresses these concerns by allowing employees who are struggling with role adjustments or hybrid work requirements to leave with a severance package.
The exit program is framed as an opportunity for employees to evaluate their alignment with the organization’s mission. Google aims to have a workforce that is fully committed to building high-quality products efficiently.
The company stated that the voluntary exit program is not linked to any changes in product strategy. Last year, Google’s hardware division had already undergone structural adjustments, transitioning to a functional organization model across Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit, which resulted in the elimination of some roles at that time.
The broader integration in April aimed to accelerate decision-making within the company. With this new exit program, Google seeks to further streamline operations while maintaining momentum in its product development efforts. Employees who choose to leave will receive severance, with further details to be provided internally.
