Google offers ‘voluntary exit programme’ for Pixel, Android teams

Google has announced a “voluntary exit programme” in an internal memo to the Pixel and Android teams, as first reported by 9to5Google. Employees who choose to accept the offer will be able to leave their roles with a guaranteed severance package.

This programme is applicable to US employees in the Platforms & Devices division, which includes Android (Auto, TV, Wear OS, XR), Chrome, ChromeOS, Google Photos, Google One, Pixel, Fitbit, and Nest.

The memo positions this exit programme as a suitable option for those who feel disconnected from the company’s mission, are struggling in their roles, or find hybrid working requirements challenging.


“This comes after we brought two large organisations together last year. There’s tremendous momentum within 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,” a spokesperson told TechCrunch.

The announcement of the voluntary severance programme comes less than a year after Google merged the Android, Pixel hardware, and Chrome teams into a single “Platform and Devices” division, overseen by Google SVP Rick Osterloh, who sent the memo.

This follows Amazon’s announcement on Wednesday that it was laying off dozens of employees in its communications and corporate responsibility department, including members of its sustainability team.