Alphabet’s Google has laid off hundreds of employees from its Platforms and Devices division, which oversees key products such as Android software, Pixel smartphones, and the Chrome browser.
The layoffs follow a voluntary exit program that was offered earlier this year.
Google Layoffs: Scope and Context
The Platforms and Devices division was created after merging Google’s Android and Chrome teams under the Pixel and Devices group.
This division has been at the center of the recent job cuts.
The division, led by Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh, initially housed over 20,000 employees.
The recent layoffs are part of Google’s broader workforce reduction strategy.
This strategy began in 2023, when the company announced plans to cut 12,000 jobs, accounting for 6% of its global workforce.
A Google spokesperson confirmed the layoffs. They stated that the restructuring is designed to make the Platforms and Devices team more nimble and effective.
The company emphasized that hiring continues in the U.S. and globally, despite the job reductions.
Google Voluntary Exit Program and Employee Impact
Earlier this year, Google introduced a voluntary exit program for U.S.-based employees working on Android, Pixel, and Chrome projects.
This initiative focused on employees who may not align with the new direction of the merged division. It also targeted those who faced difficulties with hybrid work policies.
The program offered severance packages, including up to 14 weeks of salary and additional benefits based on tenure.
The layoffs have primarily affected non-technical roles and middle management positions, aligning with Google’s focus on optimizing its workforce composition.
Teams focused on Search and artificial intelligence (AI) were notably excluded from the voluntary exit program, highlighting the company’s strategic priorities.
Strategic Goals Behind the Restructuring
The restructuring of the Platforms and Devices division is part of Google’s broader effort to streamline operations.
It focuses on high-priority areas such as AI and cloud computing.
Google plans to reduce managerial layers and increase the ratio of engineers to non-technical staff.
This approach aims to foster innovation and improve agility within its teams.
This approach mirrors industry trends, with other tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft also implementing similar strategies to optimize their workforce and reduce costs.
Google’s focus on efficiency is further underscored by its recent cost-cutting measures, including discounts offered to U.S. federal agencies for its business apps package.
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