Google is making big changes to its work policy. Remote employees in its Technical Services unit have been told they must return to the office at least three days a week. If they don’t, they risk losing their jobs.
The company is asking staff who live near a Google office to start coming in for a hybrid work schedule. Those who don’t follow this new rule could face layoffs. Google said that working together in person helps teams solve problems better and come up with new ideas.
To help with the change, Google is offering a one-time payment to cover moving costs for remote workers who agree to relocate within 50 miles of their nearest office.
This shift comes more than five years after the COVID-19 pandemic changed how people around the world work. Now, as many tech companies focus on cutting costs and investing in AI, Google is also pushing to become more efficient.
Earlier this year, Google offered buyout deals to some full-time employees in the US to reduce staff numbers. In late 2024, the company laid off 10% of its managers. These steps are all part of Google’s larger goal to streamline its operations.
Back in 2022, CEO Sundar Pichai wrote an open letter to employees about changes coming to the company. He admitted that past decisions led to overgrowth and said it was time for a reset. He also talked about changing Google’s internal culture and rethinking what it means to be “Googly”—a term used to describe the unique traits Google looks for in its employees.
Now, the company is tightening up on rules, aiming for a more focused, in-person work culture while continuing to grow its AI projects.
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