Google AI Engineers on Paid “Extended Garden Leave” Amid Noncompete Agreements

In a surprising turn of events, Google is making headlines for paying some of its AI engineers to essentially do nothing for an entire year. This unusual move is reportedly due to strict noncompete agreements that the tech giant has in place.

According to a report by Business Insider, former employees of Google’s DeepMind division in the UK have been placed on an “extended garden leave” where they are still receiving their salaries but are not allowed to work for or share their expertise with any other organizations. This tactic is meant to prevent these employees from taking proprietary knowledge to competitors.

While noncompete clauses are common in the tech industry, the length and strictness of these agreements can vary. In the case of DeepMind, some engineers tied to the company’s Gemini AI project are being sidelined for a full year, much longer than the typical six-month noncompete period.

While some may see this as a paid vacation, not everyone is happy about the situation. One former engineer mentioned that “a year is forever in the world of AI”, highlighting the fast-paced nature of the industry.

Google has defended its actions, stating that its contracts are in line with market standards. However, some DeepMind veterans have criticized the policy as overly restrictive.

This news comes at a time when tech giants like Google, Meta, and Microsoft are facing scrutiny for mass layoffs. Despite the uncertainty in the industry, AI engineers are still being compensated handsomely, even if they are not actively working on projects.

The story of Google paying engineers to sit on the sidelines for a year is a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s largest tech companies and raises questions about the balance between protecting company secrets and employee rights.