You’ve probably heard the news that google layoffs employees recently laid off around 12,000 employees. As one of the tech giants, any big moves by Google send ripples across the industry. While layoffs are always tough, you may be wondering exactly what happened and why. Was Google in financial trouble? Are more cuts coming? How will this impact products and services you use?
This article will give you the lowdown on the layoffs – the background, the affected teams, the reasons, and what it means going forward. We’ll provide everything you need to know to get up to speed on this major event. Though it represents the end of an era for many Googlers, understanding the landscape can help you navigate any changes to your daily Google routine. So read on for the inside scoop!
Breaking: Google Announces Layoffs OF Employees
Google has shocked the tech world by announcing a major round of layoffs across the company. In a memo to employees, CEO Sundar Pichai stated that approximately 12,000 roles will be eliminated. This represents around 6% of Google’s global workforce.
- The layoffs will impact various teams and regions, though some functions like recruiting will be disproportionately affected. Engineering and product roles may see cuts as well.
- Pichai cited a changing economic reality as the key reason behind this difficult decision. Google hopes to redirect resources to higher priority areas like AI.
- Hundreds of employees in Google’s advertising sales and operations teams have already been notified of layoffs. The sales organization is being restructured.
- Additional layoffs are expected in the coming months. Pichai noted this will be a continuous process as Google adapts to the current climate.
- Employees who are laid off will receive severance packages starting at 16 weeks salary plus two additional weeks for every year at Google. Benefits will continue for six months.
- For remaining employees, Google will be reducing budgets broadly across the company. Hiring will be significantly slowed.
This news comes on the heels of layoffs at other major tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta as the industry contends with economic headwinds. While difficult, Google aims to come out of this period more focused and efficient.
How Many Employees Were Laid Off at Google?
- Google announced in January 2023 that it was cutting roughly 12,000 jobs, reducing the company’s global workforce by about 6%.
- This wave of layoffs affected departments across the company, including recruiting and some engineering positions.
- While 12,000 jobs were eliminated overall, the specific number laid off in this round of cuts was closer to 1,000 employees.
- Hundreds of workers in Google’s sales and advertising teams were impacted in the layoffs. Teams working on ads privacy and measurement were significantly affected.
- Additional cuts over the next few months are expected to make up the remaining 11,000 roles that Google aims to remove.
- Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai acknowledged the difficult but necessary decision to protect the company’s health in the long run.
- Though painful, the layoffs will help Google direct resources to higher priority areas and operate more efficiently.
So in summary, Google eliminated about 1,000 positions in this initial wave of job cuts announced in January 2023. The layoffs disproportionately affected ad sales teams as Google looks to streamline those operations. Further reductions over the next few months will bring the total cuts to approximately 12,000 jobs.
Which Teams and Roles Were Impacted by the Layoffs?
The recent layoffs at Google affected several key areas of the company’s workforce.
- The advertising sales division saw the deepest cuts, with several hundred roles eliminated across North America, APAC, and EMEA regions. This included account managers, technical solution consultants, and other sales and marketing professionals who support Google’s advertising products.
- Engineering and product development teams were also impacted significantly. Areas such as Google Assistant, Pixel hardware development, and Area 120 incubator projects saw job losses.
- At YouTube, around 100 employees lost their jobs – mainly from YouTube’s creator partnerships division. These are the teams that work directly with content creators on the platform.
- Recruiting teams took a hit too, especially university graduate hiring programs.
- Some administrative and support functions like human resources, finance, and people analytics saw reductions as well.
While the specific names and numbers remain undisclosed, it’s clear that departments directly related to ad revenue, sales, and experimental products bore the brunt of this workforce reduction effort. For affected employees, Google has promised severance pay, career transition assistance, and immigration support.
Why Did google layoffs employees Now?
The timing of Google’s layoffs likely boils down to a few key factors:
- Economic headwinds. With high inflation, rising interest rates, and fears of a looming recession, companies across industries are looking to cut costs. Google is not immune to broader economic forces.
- Need to course correct. After rapid pandemic hiring, Google may have expanded too quickly. Layoffs could help right-size teams and refocus priorities.
- Pressure on profits. Google’s ad revenue has taken a hit recently. Trimming headcount helps protect profits and appease shareholders.
- Change in strategy. Google wants to direct resources to high potential areas like AI. Layoffs allow pivoting to new strategic priorities.
- Industry norm. Major tech peers like Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft have also conducted large-scale layoffs. Google is following suit.
While jarring, the layoffs arguably help Google build a leaner, more focused organization suited for current challenges. Employees impacted receive generous severance and career support. Still, the cuts mark an end of an era for the tech giant.
What’s Next for Laid Off Google Employees?
Getting laid off can be an extremely difficult experience. But there are concrete steps you can take during this transition period to set yourself up for future success.
- Take advantage of career support services. Google offers outplacement services including resume review and career coaching. Use these resources to polish your resume and practice for interviews. Update your LinkedIn profile.
- Explore open roles at Google. Laid off employees can interview for new positions at the company. Tap into your network and check the job portal regularly for opportunities.
- Reflect on your passions. A layoff provides the chance to reassess your career path. What projects did you enjoy most? What skills do you want to develop? Brainstorm how your interests align with available roles.
- Connect with former coworkers. Your colleagues can provide job leads, references, and moral support. Schedule coffee chats or virtual hangouts to stay plugged into your professional network.
- Find closure. If possible, have ending conversations with managers and team members. Express gratitude for their mentorship and collaboration. This will help you move forward.
- Practice self-care. A layoff produces many emotions. Make time for healthy habits like exercise, meditation, and connecting with loved ones. Be patient with yourself during this transition.
With strategic planning and support, you can land on your feet after a layoff. Trust the process, leverage your strengths, and remain open to new possibilities. The next great opportunity is out there waiting for you.
Conclusion
You’ve just read all about the recent Google layoffs and how they’re impacting employees. This massive restructuring shows Google is trying to tighten its belt during uncertain economic times. While layoffs are never easy, they’re a reality many companies face. Hopefully Google will provide adequate severance and support to help laid off employees transition smoothly.
Though the future is unclear, Google will likely continue evolving to keep up with changing business landscapes. For now, impacted employees can focus on taking care of themselves and exploring new opportunities. And if you’re still at Google, try not to stress too much and keep doing great work. This challenging time will pass.