#voluntarylayoffs

I am actively being recruited by other companies and been around 15+yrs. With the rumors about new layoffs getting louder daily, I am trying to figure out if there is a way to volunteer? Has anyone directly asked to be laid off? How did it go?

Thousands of Google employees have signed a petition demanding improved layoff protections. The Alphabet Workers Union is advocating for severance packages at least matching previous terms and the offer of voluntary buyouts before involuntary layoffs. They also seek the option of extended paid leave instead of lump-sum severance, particularly for visa holders. Additionally, the union opposes a quota-based performance rating system they believe unfairly impacts employees. These demands come amidst a significant increase in tech industry layoffs, with AI restructuring cited as a major driver.

Mountain View, California

https://hrexecutive.com/google-employees-demand-severance-guarantees-as-tech-layoffs-near-157000/

Is there a way to go above your managers head to be voluntarily laid off? I’m for sure leaving at the end of August regardless without telling anyone but it sure would be nice to get a piece of the severance cake.

Thank you

Did Synopsys give a voluntary layoff option? I rather take this instead of being here and rob someone else of being here. If I send email to HR will this back fire?

With the spin-off…. Any rumors of offering packages?

I want to tell my manager I'll volunteer for the next round, but I'm worried they'll just stall me instead.

There is a perfect storm brewing. Leaders have been in rooms in Mission simplify with what I heard are over 1500+ initiatives for next year. We are cutting our workforce significantly either voluntarily or involuntarily. There will be so much more visibility and scrutiny on those initiatives than every before and they will forget Sep 2nd we just lost a good portion of our team. Those of us left are going to have to make those happen while likely losing SME's during VSP and ISP losses.

With 24 hours left to decide this is front of mind.

I know a few people who'd take it happily, and it could save a few of us who really want to stay.

This voluntary layoff program is probably just the first phase of a broader restructuring. Look at the tech companies, Amazon just did this prior to their massive layoff this year. Companies start with voluntary exits to reduce headcount quietly, lower severance costs, (they save SOOO much $$$) and see which roles can naturally be eliminated before moving to any targeted involuntary cuts. Too sum it up if you choose to leave its MUCH cheaper and looks better for them.

This is also why your metrics seem to be unatainable. They move the goalposts and the employees they want to get rid of they hold them to the letter of the metrics and put them on performance plans to get them out or they just quit out of frustration.

Leadership at this company uses rolling layoffs as just part of their general business practices. VSP does a lot of things, avoid WARN Act triggers, and reduce the negative optics of “another layoff,” all while encouraging high tenured, expensive employees to self select out.

This looks like they still need to get rid of expensive administrative resources but want to do it in a controlled, lower risk way the keeps the public and legal exposure to a minimum. All at the same time giving them the talking point "we'll they left on their own".

I wouldn't have minded taking a severance package. Could have saved one of my teammates who I know couldn't afford to lose his job, and he did. I'll never understand why a voluntary round isn't always offered before an involuntary one. Wouldn't that be a win/win?

I wouldn't mind signing up for it one bit.

Any idea if they will promote this soon?? I’m putting bare minimum effort and I don’t feel like putting that sh-t anymore.

question from my manager today, so it's coming soon. JVB org. I was non-committal but am leaning that way.

Can anyone confirm what the offers were in voluntary?

Anybody actually been successful or know someone first hand who has asked for a layoff and recieved a package?

I'm so tired of this place that I'd happily raise my hand if offered.

https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/rogers-communications-offering-buyouts-half-its-workforce-globe-mail-reports-2026-04-27/

Maybe all you begging for a voluntary severance will get your wish!

There's now evidence that IBM does the "buyout" spiel to shake the tree and see what fruit falls. Later the chipping of the branches will commence.

https://techrights.org/n/2026/04/28/IBM_is_Already_Doing_Voluntary_Layoffs_This_Year_in_Europe_Buyo.shtml

When is the next one? I want to press that EOI button and nope out of here ASAP.

This week Microsoft announced a voluntary retirement program. While details of the offer have yet to be released, the gist of the offer is that if your physical age and your years of service add up to 70, then you qualify. At the ripe old retirement age of 47, after 24 years of service I qualify. The program is being pitched as “optional” meaning I can choose to take it or not; however, it’s unclear what happens if I choose the “not” option.

I would be lying if I didn’t say that I've lost some sleep over the last day since this was announced. Not out of excitement, but dread. I tossed and turned, questions churning in my mind…."have I aged out of tech"…."do my contributions matter"…."do they think I get paid too much for the work I do"…."will I be able to find another job"…."will I have to sell my house"…"can I afford college for my kids"…..Ahhhhh.

I had always imagined leaving Microsoft on my own terms. Funny enough, this was the language they put in the email they sent, they positioned it as an opportunity to leave on my own terms, but it sure doesn’t feel that way.

I don’t know yet what I’m going to decide, but if you feel like me at all, let’s connect, get organized and figure how to support each other and how to best respond to this unprecedented moment. One thing I know won’t work, trying to take this all on alone, staying silent, and trying to negotiate individually vs collectively. Stay strong, you aren’t alone and there are always other options.

Wondering if anyone who submitted their name for VRIF has heard back from anyone yet. I’m also curious the % of people who submitted their name. I feel more than we think.

They'll be laying people off left and right anyway. Sure, some people they might want to keep could leave first. On the other hand, it's not as if they've been working hard on talent retention. The only way it wouldn't make sense is if they've been planning to ramp up attrition. That wouldn't be a shocker, really.

Source tells me voluntary layoffs are coming.

Please god

My team was pretty much laid off in the last year’s layoff. I have since been moved to a different team and I am not liking it. It’s a new org and I don’t know anyone.

Wondering if anyone has advice on how to nudge your leadership to put you on the layoff list if you are not there already. Luckily, I am in a position where can I afford to that and I know other employees who can’t .If possible would love to take the place of anyone who is more interested in the company or needs the job.

My manager does not have any info nor does my skip. According to my manager, my skip a SD in the tech org does not know if he or his teams are safe.

I need a break, and I wouldn't say no to severance.

Now I’ve seen it all! Clown show

How do I make it happen? Thanks

The second quarter layoff notices will go out tomorrow, 3/25/26. Cross your fingers and say your prayers tonight. They will go out in batches so keep checking your email. Good luck to everyone tired of the BS!

I'm interviewing now and may get an offer soon. If I do, can I volunteer to be laid off to get a package?

I swear I'm so over this place. It's better being laid off than having layoffs every few months. It's wracking our mental health. It seems like it's never enough anymore. There's always a need to cut even more people. I'm not sure I can last in such an environment for much longer.

Most need the money. Some can't give a s--t and would love an optional package to leave.

If it's not really a secret some will be cut, why not offer voluntary layoffs first?

Has anyone had any success "volunteering" for a layoff, knowing that layoffs are being planned? I'm so close to retirement that I would welcome being laid off, plus doing so would likely save someone else on my team from being laid off. If we can be fairly confident that layoffs are being planned, would it make sense to let your boss or higher up leadership know that you'd be open to a layoff package? Has anyone successfully done this recently?

My department, PLM, announced voluntary layoffs are coming. Sounded like it might be in waves but not 100% sure. They said other areas across the enterprise will be doing the same as well. Anyone else hear anything?

A judge denied the Teamsters' request for an injunction. This decision allows UPS to proceed with its driver separation plan. The order was issued Friday by Judge Denise Casper. The union had sought to block the program. UPS can now implement the separation initiative.

https://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2026/02/23/teamsters-loses-bid-to-block-ups-voluntary-layoffs.html

Just had a talk with my adviser about this whole voluntary layoff thing….With me I am so close to 65, I plan to get out of telecomm and pick up a mediocre part time job to cushion the loss of CC funds. Come to find out the upcoming deposit of my severance, any upcoming bonus, banked PTO, etc etc….will be held against me when I start my Medicare…the large deposit will be a IRMAA surcharge on both my Medicare part B and part D premiums. This sliding scale of 5 brackets will no doubly kick my Medicare premiums a few more hundred dollars per month. To those of my coworkers who plan to jump into retirement after the severance comes may take this into consideration. If anyone has any constructive criticism on this matter, I’m all ears.

I'd take a buyout in a heartbeat if they offered it to my department. I'm wondering if expressing interest early helps your chances. Does anyone have direct experience with volunteering to be included in the reductions?

Do you think there's a slim possibility of voluntary layoffs? It would be so much better than the fear of forced cuts. People who are ready to go could leave with dignity, and it might reduce the number of involuntary terminations.