Google has announced another round of layoffs in its workforce, affecting hundreds of employees across various divisions. This move is considered part of a strategic refocusing on artificial intelligence, aligning with a broader pattern of downsizing within the tech sector this year.
The company’s internal communication, obtained by The New York Times, stated, “We’ve had to make some difficult decisions about ongoing employment of some Google employees, and we regret to inform you that your position is being eliminated.”
This downsizing is not isolated to Google. The tech industry has been experiencing a wave of layoffs, with giants like Meta, Amazon, and Google releasing thousands of workers last year.
The trend continues into the new year, with Amazon recently scaling back its workforce at Twitch, Prime Video, and MGM studios. Other tech companies, including Xerox and Unity Software, have also announced significant job cuts. Duolingo has also cut 10% of its staff as it implements more AI.
A report from 9to5Google reveals that Google’s restructuring extends to its approach to product development. Previously, the Pixel, Nest, and Fitbit divisions operated almost as independent entities, each with dedicated teams for design, hardware engineering, software, UI, and more.
This structure was partly a reflection of Google’s acquisition strategy, having integrated Nest in 2014 and then later Fitbit. In a shift toward a more unified and functional organisation model, Google is now consolidating these teams, with a singular leadership overseeing hardware engineering across all of Google’s hardware products — hence the layoffs.
The Alphabet Workers Union, representing Google employees and contractors, has criticised the layoffs as “needless,” pointing out the company’s substantial quarterly profits. The union has expressed its ongoing commitment to protecting its members’ interests and job security amid these changes.
Tonight, Google began another round of needless layoffs. Our members and teammates work hard every day to build great products for our users, and the company cannot continue to fire our coworkers while making billions every quarter. We won’t stop fighting until our jobs are safe!
— Alphabet Workers Union (AWU-CWA) (@AlphabetWorkers) January 11, 2024
As Google navigates through these restructuring layoffs, the industry watches closely, with the future of Fitbit under Google’s stewardship drawing scrutiny. The departure of key Fitbit executives, including founders James Park and Eric Friedman, has raised concerns about the brand’.
Despite initial promises of a prosperous collaboration between Google and Fitbit, the company’s focus seems to have shifted towards the Pixel Watch, with Fitbit devices seeing a reduction in features and availability.
