Google Fires Hundreds of Employees from its Android, Pixel, and Chrome Groups

According to a media report, Alphabet's Google has let go of hundreds of workers from its Platforms and Devices business. This division is in charge of important products like the Chrome browser, Pixel devices, and Android software. The layoffs come after a voluntary departure programme that was made available to staff members in January. The action is a component of a continuous reorganisation that started last year when Google combined its Chrome and Android teams under the Pixel and Devices group. This group is headed by Rick Osterloh, a company executive. The combined company employed around 20,000 people at the time of the merger.

Layoffs are Aligned With the Goal of Operating With Leaner Unit

The restructuring is intended to improve efficiency and agility within the Platforms and Devices team, a Google representative told a media source while confirming the layoffs. He claimed that the company has concentrated on becoming more agile and running more efficiently ever since merging the Platforms and Devices teams last year. This encompassed addition to the voluntary exit programme that Google implemented in January, such as job reductions. But the business also pointed out that recruiting is still going on both domestically and internationally. The most recent round of layoffs comes after Google reduced its headcount in 2023, laying off about 6% of its employees worldwide.

Even with additional layoffs since then, Google still employs about 180,000 people overall. Google launched a voluntary departure programme for US workers on Chrome, Pixel, and Android projects earlier this year. The programme was designed for workers who might not agree with the combined division's new course or who found hybrid work arrangements difficult. Notably, the programme excluded teams that worked on artificial intelligence (AI) and search.

Layoffs has Become a New Normal for Bigger Players

This layoff announcement coincides with employment cuts by a number of multinational corporations, such as Amazon, Intel, and Goldman Sachs. Such developments are happening mainly owing to the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and uncertainties in the global economy. Intel is getting ready for a massive restructure following a large financial loss in 2024. Similarly, Amazon also plans to eliminate about 14,000 administrative roles in order to save $3 billion yearly. Companies are increasingly focusing on cost optimisation and automation as a result of the rapid growth in AI adoption. This adoption is resulting in job losses across a number of industries.

Goldman Sachs is also getting ready to lay off employees, with intentions to trim staff by 3–5% after an annual performance review. About 150 junior banker positions were recently cut by Bank of America; nevertheless, the majority of impacted workers were offered opportunities outside of investment banking. Given the unpredictability of the world economy, more businesses might do the same in the months to come.