They're trying to get as many people to quit as possible so they don't need to do more layoffs.
I think layoffs would be way better than trying to force out one group of people, but the people at the top don't care about what's good for the company - they care about themselves.
Previously, large tech companies were interested in hoarding employees to slow competition.
Now, that is no longer a necessary strategy as the environment has changed and smaller startups have many other headwinds (difficult to raise $, etc).
So as the previous strategy is unwound there will be more pressure on employees and attrition is definitely part of the plan. A side benefit for the companies is less upward pressure of salaries and operational savings.
I think layoffs would be way better than trying to force out one group of people, but the people at the top don't care about what's good for the company - they care about themselves.
C'est la vie.