Google asks employees to align with AI vision: Perform or perish

Google’s business division has introduced a voluntary exit programme for employees not ready to align with its AI-driven future. The move follows Alphabet’s record $400 billion revenue in 2025.

Google is offering a voluntary exit programme (VEP) to select employees within its business organisation, signalling a stronger push toward an AI-focused future. The development comes shortly after parent company Alphabet reported record annual revenue of $400 billion for 2025.

According to reports, Philipp Schindler, Google’s Chief Business Officer, informed staff in an internal memo that employees who may not be prepared to fully embrace the company’s AI-centric direction can choose to leave with a severance package.

AI Commitment Becomes Central

Schindler reportedly said Google is entering 2026 from a position of strength but emphasised the rapidly evolving AI landscape. He indicated that the company is looking for teams that are “all in” on using AI to drive greater impact, while offering an exit path for those ready to move on.

The programme applies to certain roles within Google’s Global Business Organization (GBO), which oversees advertising products, sales functions, and revenue growth operations. Roles mentioned include solutions teams, sales, and corporate development, among others.

Who Is Not Covered

The voluntary exit option does not extend to:

Large customer sales teams in the US

Key customer-facing positions

Google said excluding these roles is aimed at minimising disruption to clients and business continuity.

Part of a Broader Industry Trend

This is not Google’s first such move. Similar buyout offers were made earlier to teams in Android, core engineering divisions, and some UK employees. The strategy reflects a broader shift across the tech industry, where companies such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft are restructuring workforces while pivoting more aggressively toward AI-led operations.