> "We are making some changes to our editorial strategy and leadership and giving a voluntary exit option to employees who would like to take a different path,"
No. They are being offered five months of pay and six months of healthcare to quit now. Or they keep their job. It is a personal choice.
This is a remarkably generous offer too. Most people getting buyouts are lucky to get around 1 week per year of service and no healthcare. Five months pay and six months of healthcare is enough time to build an MVP.
They are being bribed to leave quietly and not make a public stink.
Nobody owes them anything. This seems much better than nothing.
No, it means you can quit and get severance. It's acknowledging that this isn't what people signed up for and taking responsibility