Exclusive-Google extends voluntary buyout offers to employees in several countries

Alphabet's Google has expanded voluntary buyout offers to employees in Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and Switzerland, according to Reuters. The company initiated these programs in June, following a similar initiative in the US and UK. Google did not disclose the exact number of employees who have accepted the offers. The move aims to address rising costs associated with increased AI spending, which has negatively impacted Alphabet's stock price.

In Switzerland, where Google employs around 5,000 people, the program was announced in June and offered employees up to 12 months of salary for each year of service, capped at 12 months. At least four employees in a team of 50 accepted the offer in Switzerland. The expanded buyout program follows voluntary exit programs offered since last year to employees in some divisions in the US and UK.