Google confirms workforce reductions across various divisions
Google, the tech giant under Alphabet Inc., is undergoing significant workforce reductions, targeting hundreds of employees in divisions related to its digital assistant, hardware, and engineering teams. This move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and reduce costs amid a looming macroeconomic downturn and increased competition from rivals like Amazon and Microsoft.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed ongoing restructuring efforts, which include eliminating roles on a global scale. Employees affected by these changes have started to receive notifications, and Google has emphasized that they will be given the opportunity to apply for open positions in other areas within the company .
Google Assistant and AR hardware teams hit hard by layoffs
The layoffs extend to personnel involved in developing the voice-based Google Assistant and those in the augmented reality hardware team. According to the company’s announcement, workers within Google’s central engineering organization have also been impacted by these workforce cuts .
In light of these changes, Google has reallocated its augmented reality endeavors to the Android and hardware teams, signaling a strategic shift in its approach to AR development. Despite the downsizing in its AR hardware team, Google reaffirms its dedication to AR, focusing on augmented reality features in its products and continuing product partnerships .
Alphabet Workers Union criticizes job cuts amid record profits
The Alphabet Workers Union, a representative body for some of the company’s employees, voiced its disapproval of the job cuts in a statement posted on the social network X. The union accused Google of firing its coworkers while making billions every quarter and vowed to keep fighting until job security is ensured for all its members and teammates .
Google responded to the concerns raised by the union, stating, “Our dedicated employees contribute tirelessly each day to develop outstanding products for our users. Despite consistently generating billions in quarterly revenue, the company has implemented workforce reductions. We remain committed to addressing these issues until job security is ensured for all our employees.”
Google’s largest layoffs ever amid Fitbit co-founders’ departure
The latest round of layoffs comes amid the departure of Fitbit co-founders James Park, Eric Friedman, and other key Fitbit executives. Google acquired the wearable technology company Fitbit for Rs 14700 crore in 2019 and is making significant changes in its Devices & Services department, known for products like Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit devices .
Google maintains its focus on the Fitbit user base, promising ongoing innovation in health-related personal AI technologies and further development of the Pixel Watch, the revamped Fitbit app, Fitbit Premium service, and the Fitbit tracker line .
The Google layoffs are the company’s largest ever, accounting for 6% of the company’s global personnel, and comes after a decision to defer a portion of employees’ January bonuses to be paid later in the year . The company also plans to lay off more staff from its AI division following the resignation of senior executives from Fitbit . The AI layoffs are expected to affect 30,000 jobs .