Google Lays Off Hundreds from Android, Pixel, and Chrome Teams Amid Ongoing Restructuring
In a significant move to streamline operations and cut costs, Google has reportedly laid off hundreds of employees across its Android, Pixel phone, and Chrome browser divisions. This development follows a wave of internal restructuring that began with the merger of its Platforms and Devices teams last year, aimed at improving efficiency and agility.
According to a report by The Information, the tech giant’s spokesperson confirmed that the layoffs were part of the next phase in a broader organisational overhaul. “Since combining the Platforms and Devices teams last year, we’ve focused on becoming more nimble and operating more effectively, and this included making some job reductions in addition to the voluntary exit program that we offered in January,” the spokesperson stated.
Earlier this year, Google introduced a “voluntary exit program” targeting employees in its People Operations and Cloud departments. This program was aimed primarily at senior-level staff, offering them severance packages that included up to 14 weeks of salary, plus an additional week for every full year of service. While this move was presented as an opportunity for senior staff to exit gracefully, it also served as a precursor to deeper structural changes within the company.
These layoffs are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to control costs amidst heavy investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud infrastructure. New Chief Financial Officer Anat Ashkenazi has emphasized the importance of cost efficiency as a key focus for the company moving forward. As Google continues to invest in strategic areas like AI and cloud computing, it is also seeking to reduce redundancies and optimize its workforce.
The company’s Cloud division has already experienced internal adjustments, including the downsizing of multiple operations support teams. Some of these roles have been relocated to more cost-effective locations such as India and Mexico City. These changes are part of a global effort to create a more agile and economically sustainable workforce, while still supporting Google’s ambitions in the competitive cloud market.
This wave of job cuts also follows an announcement by CEO Sundar Pichai in December 2024, where he revealed that Google would be reducing about 10% of its management and vice-president-level positions. The decision reflects the company’s push to simplify its management structure and realign resources with its long-term priorities.
Google is not alone in this trend. Other tech giants like Microsoft and TikTok have also announced layoffs this year. Microsoft has already conducted two rounds of cuts and is reportedly preparing to downsize its middle management. Meanwhile, TikTok is undergoing a restructuring of its e-commerce division, resulting in job losses.
As the tech industry continues to adjust to economic pressures and changing market dynamics, these layoffs highlight the growing emphasis on leaner operations and strategic realignment.
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