Knowledge and information (K&I) is the unit managing Google's search, advertising and sales departments. The share buyback is the company's latest effort to cut staff, something Google has continued to do in stages since laying off 12,000 employees in 2023.
Previously, The Information reported that Google proposed to buy back shares of employees in some search and advertising departments.
Courtenay Mencini - Google's spokesperson informed CNBC: "Early this year, some of our groups introduced a "voluntary severance pay" program with severance pay for Google employees in the United States. Several other groups are providing this program to support our upcoming important work.
Currently, K&I has about 20,000 employees. The unit underwent a reorganization in October, resulting in Google CEO Nick Fox taking over as leader.
I want to make it clear that if you are excited about your work, full of energy with a series of opportunities ahead, I hope you dont take this job. Because we have ambitious plans and tons of work to complete.
On the other hand, we are a good choice for those who do not feel comfortable with our strategy or are having difficulty meeting expectations for their roles.
According to CNBC, Google is also reforming a popular internal learning platform, focusing on instructing employees on how to use modern AI tools at work. At the same time, shift from some programs to more essential services for businesses.
