Alphabet, Google’s parent holding company, has announced that it will cut around 6% of its global workforce.
in a open letter Posted by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, the narrative followed a similar trajectory to other companies that have downsized in recent months, noting that the company had “hired for a different economic reality” than the one it faces. today. Simply put, it had bolstered its workforce during the pandemic-driven digital boom times, but now it has to change course as the world cuts spending in the face of economic headwinds.
“We have conducted a rigorous review across all product areas and functions to ensure our people and roles are aligned with our top priorities as a company,” Pichai wrote, adding that the layoffs will affect Alphabet units, not just to Google, and that all regions and product areas will be affected.
The news means that four of the five called “great technologyCompanies have now announced significant layoffs in recent months, and Apple is the only one of the Big Five US tech giants that hasn’t announced layoffs thus far.
In fact, earlier this week, Microsoft announced 10,000 job cuts, affecting nearly 5% of its workforce, following Amazon’s move to cut 18,000 jobs, or 1.2%. of its global workforce. Meanwhile, Facebook parent Meta revealed 11,000 layoffs in November, affecting 13% of its workforce.
It’s worth noting that Alphabet hasn’t been immune to downsizing so far. Its robot software arm Intrinsic announced it was laying off 40 workers last week, or 20% of its workforce, while its life sciences subsidiary Verily reduced in a 15% cut, which represents around 240 people. But today’s announcement will eliminate approximately 12,000 positions worldwide at the company.
This is a developing story, please update for updates
