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Google expanded its return-to-office mandate for some US-based employees, particularly those on Core, Marketing, Research, and Communications teams, requiring a hybrid schedule for those within 50 miles of an office. Simultaneously, the company offered voluntary buyouts with severance packages to employees on these teams. This follows previous rounds of layoffs in 2023 and 2024. While Google states the buyouts aren't intended to reduce staff, the timing raises questions about potential further job cuts. The expanded RTO policy aims to boost in-person collaboration and innovation, particularly within its Core systems division.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.