According to sources familiar with the matter, Google is undergoing layoffs and partial team restructuring.
Two current employees revealed that several teams within Google's finance and real estate departments are affected by the layoffs. They stated that multiple employees received layoff notices this week, involving financial teams such as Google's finance, business services, and revenue cash operations teams.
It is currently unclear if other departments are affected or how many positions are specifically being cut. A current employee stated that the scale of this restructuring is "quite large," with some positions being relocated overseas. According to internal sources, Google's Chief Financial Officer Ruth Porat sent an email to employees announcing the establishment of "growth centers" in locations like Bangalore, Mexico City, and Dublin as part of the restructuring plan.
In a memo to finance department employees, Porat noted, "As artificial intelligence continues to rise, the tech industry is undergoing unprecedented platform transformation. As a leading global tech company, we have the opportunity to deliver more practical products to billions of users and provide customers with faster solutions. However, such opportunities also come with challenges, and we need to consider how and where to align with our priorities."
A Google spokesperson confirmed the layoffs but did not disclose the specific number of affected employees. They stated that a small number of positions will be shifted to other US and overseas offices where Google is increasing its investment, such as India, Dublin, and Atlanta.
The spokesperson also elaborated on the company's current strategic adjustments: "As previously stated, we are responsibly investing in the company's core priorities and future significant opportunities. From the second half of 2023 to 2024, some of our teams will undergo necessary adjustments aimed at enhancing efficiency, streamlining workflows, reducing layers, and allocating resources more precisely to the most innovative and critical projects. Through these measures, we will simplify the company's structure, create more opportunities for employees to engage in our most innovative and critical advancements, while reducing bureaucracy and hierarchical barriers."
Google emphasized that for employees affected by these adjustments, the company will provide opportunities to apply for internal vacancies to help them transition smoothly to new job positions.
Throughout 2023 and the current year, Google has been carrying out layoffs and reorganizations aimed at reducing costs and accelerating development pace in key areas such as artificial intelligence. Additionally, other companies under Alphabet, including Verily, are also undergoing layoffs and adjustments.
A leaked copy of a memo reported by the media showed that in January of this year, Google CEO Sundar Pichai warned employees that layoffs would continue throughout 2024, although they would not affect every team.
