Google has launched a Voluntary Exit Programme (VEP) and imposed new hybrid work policies

Concerning Backdoor Layoffs:

Definition: Backdoor layoffs refer to subtle strategies employed by companies to decrease staff without official termination announcements, frequently circumventing regulatory oversight and public criticism.

How Do Layoffs by Backdoor Operate?

Voluntary Exit Programs (VEP): Workers are presented with severance compensation to leave voluntarily. This allows businesses to lower staff numbers without formal layoffs.

Google's VEP for Core Systems and Marketing departments.

Imposing Unpleasant Work Conditions: Compelling remote employees to transition to hybrid arrangements could result in resignations, thereby decreasing personnel without officially announcing layoffs.

Strategic Team Disbandment: Disbanding specific groups (e.g., Knowledge, AR, Voice Assistant) indirectly encourages departures.

Essential Traits of Backdoor Layoffs:

Hidden Layoffs: Evades public outrage and adheres to Workers Adjustment & Retraining Notification (WARN) Act regulations in the U.S.

Legally Safer: Reduced chances of litigation since employees formally resign.

Lowers Severance Costs: Prevents significant severance expenses associated with forced layoffs.

Followed by Policy Modifications: Frequently implemented alongside new regulations (e.g., return-to-office requirements) to encourage resignations.