Google to remote workers: return to office or leave

Google is now intensifying its return-to-office policy, instructing certain remote employees to either transition to in-office work or prepare to exit the company, as per reports.

The move comes as the tech giant seeks to reduce costs while investing heavily in artificial intelligence.

Employees who were previously granted permanent work-from-home status are now reportedly being asked to adopt a hybrid work model. Those unwilling to comply may face job cuts or be offered voluntary exit packages, as per reports. 

Flexible work arrangements introduced during the pandemic are now being scaled back, with Google tightening office norms five years after COVID-19 transformed workplace culture.

Affected employees are required to attend the office at least three days a week. Teams such as Google Technical Services and People Operations (HR) are among the first to implement the new guidelines.

Remote workers are being given the option to adopt a hybrid setup or accept a one-time relocation package to move closer to an office. Those living within 50 miles of an office must comply with the new requirements or risk job termination by June.

A Google spokesperson reportedly clarified that the changes are part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at aggressively prioritizing artificial intelligence.

Earlier this year, Google co-founder Sergey Brin reportedly encouraged AI employees to spend more time at the office, suggesting that a 60-hour workweek was a "sweet spot" for productivity. He emphasized the urgency of accelerating AI development to stay ahead in the fast-moving innovation race.

As of the end of 2024, Google employed around 183,000 people globally, a slight decline from its 2022 headcount. The return-to-office policy appears to be part of a larger effort to streamline operations and enhance in-person collaboration to meet the company’s evolving priorities.