Google Layoffs Affects Hundreds, Primarily Engineers

Google has laid off hundreds of workers in multiple divisions, marking a significant change in the tech giant’s operations. This layoff forms part of its broader strategy to shift focus toward artificial intelligence (AI) and reduce costs, thus following the trend of numerous tech companies slashing jobs this year.

The tech behemoth, known for its diverse range of products and services, reported layoffs across its core engineering division, Google Assistant team, and hardware division. The latter produces popular products such as Pixel phones, Fitbit watches, and Nest thermostats.

A substantial number of employees were removed from the core engineering organization, their access to corporate resources cut off and their roles terminated. The company confirmed these layoffs while reiterating its commitment to invest wisely in its top priorities and seize significant future opportunities. It also hinted at additional potential organizational changes, including ongoing global role eliminations.

This recent development is part of a broader trend of tech industry layoffs. In the past year, giants like Google, Meta, and Amazon have dismissed thousands of staff. Only 10 days into the new year, other corporations have followed suit. Amazon, for instance, let go of hundreds of employees from its Twitch streaming service, Prime Video, and MGM studios. Other companies, such as Xerox and video game software provider Unity Software, also announced significant job cuts.

Google’s decision comes in the wake of CEO Sundar Pichai’s push since mid-2022 to streamline operations and cut costs amid challenging global economic conditions. In January 2023, Google slashed 6% of its workforce, totaling 12,000 individuals — the company’s largest layoff in its history. Since then, the management has expressed intentions to contain costs significantly, focusing mainly on the burgeoning AI sector.

As of the end of September last year, Google had a total of 182,000 employees. The recent layoffs are part of regular business reorganizations, according to the company. Not everyone agrees with Google’s decision, however. The Alphabet Workers Union, representing over 1,400 employees at Google’s parent company Alphabet, dubbed the layoffs as “needless.” The group criticized the company for its employment practices, accusing it of continuing to rack up billions in profits each quarter while dismissing valuable teammates.