Google announces 12,000 layoffs amid new “economic reality”

Google is cutting 12,000 jobs globally its parent company, Alphabet, announced yesterday. Like other tech titans in recent weeks, Google is laying off workers as it embarks on some large-scale restructuring. The announcement follows similar layoffs by other tech giants such as Microsoft, Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), Amazon and Twitter, as the previously stable tech sector faces a major economic downturn.

This comes as a response to the changing “economic reality” according to CEO Sundar Pichai. In an email to employees, Pichai stated that the company had undergone a thorough analysis of the company’s structure and goals before announcing the sackings.

“We’ve decided to reduce our workforce by approximately 12,000 roles. We’ve undertaken a rigorous review across product areas and functions to ensure that our people and roles are aligned with our highest priorities as a company. The roles we’re eliminating reflect the outcome of that review. The fact that these changes will impact the lives of Googlers weighs heavily on me, and I take full responsibility for the decisions that led us here.”

News of the big tech layoff broke just one day after Microsoft announced it would also be downsizing staff by 10,000 over the next few months. The Redmond, Washington-based company cited similar reasons for the layoffs, stating that it was in response to the changing economic landscape. The company stated that it would be focusing on its most strategic areas and would be cutting jobs in areas that no longer align with its long-term goals.

The job cuts by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, are a reflection of the current economic reality faced by the tech sector. The industry which was once considered invulnerable is now being forced to make difficult decisions to stay competitive in the current market. The company stated that it would be providing support to the impacted employees, including severance packages and career coaching.