Google is updating its employee performance evaluation process, with changes in tech veteran introduction, some workers can get small bonuses and equity packages starting from 2026. According to a report by businessman Insider, the company has decided to better reward high artists by tightening compensation for rated in the middle or lower display band.

In a company-wide email, John Casey, VP of Global Commentation and Benefits, told the employees that the managers will now be allowed to give a “excellent impact” rating-for a comprehensive group of one-employees one of the handicapped performance categories. The move is expected to benefit top artists, which will now be eligible for high bonuses and stock grants.

To make this change without increasing the overall budget, Google will reduce compensation multiplier for employees falling under “significant impact” and “medium impact” brackets – two categories that represents a large part of the workforce. While Casey clarified that the “significant impact” remains a strong rating, it will receive less than the employees of this category that can be obtained earlier.

He said, “We want to fulfill this to make this funds that we will slightly reduce the bonus and equity individual qualities for a significant impact and moderate impact rating. It is important to note that the significant impact will remain a strong rating – you will still get more than your target bonus,” he said.

Additionally, discretionary reward budgets that managers use to identify strong contributors will be extended. This will allow more flexibility in rewarding employees who are performing well, but cannot fall at a very top level.

The company’s internal review system – called Googler Reviews and Development (Grad) – is operated on a scale ranging from “adequate effects” to “transformational effects”. So far, very few employees made it at the top two levels. With the latest changes, more employees will have a chance to climb the ladder – but only when they provide standout performance.

Google says that this decision is part of a broad push to run performance at a time when the company is looking at strong speeds in areas such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. “High performance is more important than ever to meet the ambitious goals we set by us,” Casey said in email.

This is not surprising because overall technical sector is moving towards a more performance-focused work culture. Companies like Microsoft have introduced new systems to push for greater productivity, while Meta has cut jobs earlier this year to eliminate underperformance.