Google cut small-team managers by 35% to boost efficiency, offering buyouts to U.S. employees.

Google reduced its small-team managers by 35% over the past year to cut bureaucracy and boost efficiency, according to Vice President Brian Welle. Many affected managers have stayed as individual contributors. The company has also offered a Voluntary Exit Program, with 3-5% of U.S. employees in certain teams accepting buyouts. CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the goal of increasing efficiency without relying solely on headcount growth. Google has dismissed the idea of a paid sabbatical program, citing existing leave policies.