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Pressure to return to the office is mounting, and Google is imposing new rules that could cost the jobs of those who resist the hybrid model, generating tension, strategic changes and discussions about the future of remote work at big tech.
Tech giant Google, known for its innovations in the digital market, is changing its approach to home office.
Under a new policy that will take effect by June 2025, employees who refuse to adopt a hybrid work model — that is, going into the office at least three times a week — will be subject to termination.
The company's new direction has caused quite a stir, especially among those who were already used to the comfort of remote work.
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But why did Google decide to adopt this model and how does it impact employees who live near one of its offices? Let's understand.
Change in the remote work model
According to internal company documents obtained by CNBC, Google has begun sending out memos to specific teams demanding that employees return to the office.
The requirement is clear: anyone who lives up to 80 km from a company office must work there at least three times a week.
This applies to sectors such as Technical Services and People Operations (Google's HR), and anyone who does not adapt to the new format by June 2025 could be laid off.
The company's main justification for this change is the importance of in-person collaboration for innovation and problem-solving., something the company believes is essential to the success of its projects.
This move is generating controversy, mainly because Google has always been one of the most renowned companies when it comes to work flexibility.
The requirement to return to work in person has caused a real revolution in the work routine of many employees and brings up discussions about the future of remote work in large corporations.
Affected teams and new work format
The decision directly affects teams in areas essential to the company's operations, such as Technical Services and People Operations.
For employees in these areas, the requirement is clear: returning to the office will be mandatory, with the condition of attending at least three times a week.
This policy does not allow for much flexibility, and employees have until June 2025 to adjust to the new model.
To smooth the transition, Google is offering an alternative for those who do not agree with the new format: a voluntary exit package, which, as reported, will include benefits not detailed by the company.
Benefits of the voluntary departure package and cost of living allowance
The voluntary exit package aims to give employees an option to leave the company without having to go through a forced layoff.
While details of the package have not been released, it is expected to offer attractive terms for employees who decide to leave Google..
For those who decide to stay but need to move to live near an office, the company also offers financial assistance, which can be a relief for those who have to face the expenses of moving house.
On the other hand, for those who already live more than 80 km from an office and are authorized to work remotely, Google is not requiring these employees to return to the office, but with some limitations, such as the impossibility of changing positions.
These changes, while bringing more flexibility to some teams, also increase the pressure on employees to adapt to the new demands of the company.
Internal pressure and strategic cuts
While Google says the move is not a large-scale action, the decision has sounded like a disguised layoff, as the technology giant has been implementing voluntary redundancy programs since March 2025, in sectors such as People Operations and Platforms and Devices.
However, unlike previous voluntary departure packages, this time the company requires employees to return to the office as an alternative.
This change reflects a new company focus on more strategic areas, such as artificial intelligence, which may be generating selective cuts in other areas of the organization.
These internal moves suggest that Google, like other big tech companies, is adopting a business model that prioritizes investments in cutting-edge technologies like AI and seeks to reduce operating costs, which in turn could lead to a reduction in its workforce in areas that do not align with those goals.
Artificial intelligence and new investments
The decision to redirect resources to areas such as artificial intelligence is not a surprise.
Google, like other big tech companies, is in a race to dominate the AI market, and this shift in strategy reflects that urgency..
The giant is, in fact, reorganizing its internal operations, with cuts in some areas and new hires in others, mainly in the teams responsible for developing emerging technologies.
Behind the scenes, it is known that Google is not only implementing an internal reorganization to improve its efficiency, but also to ensure that it will be at the forefront of the digital revolution.
The impact of this is great for those who are being left behind, but it also represents an opportunity for growth for those who are ready to embrace change and contribute to the new demands of the market..
What to expect from the future of remote work in large companies?
This about-face at Google reflects a movement that may be spreading to other tech companies.
Remote work flexibility was one of the biggest legacies left by the COVID-19 pandemic, but over time, many companies are reevaluating this model, adopting hybrid formats and even returning fully to in-person work.
The question is: Will other tech giants follow Google's path? What does this mean for professionals who are used to working from home?
The debate about the future of work remains open and, without a doubt, this new scenario will have a significant impact on the way companies deal with flexibility and the management of their teams.
And you, what do you think about the end of home office as we know it? Are you prepared for the return of in-person work at companies or would you prefer to continue with the remote model? Comment below!
