Google Announces Layoffs Across Virtual Assistant, Augmented Reality, and Engineering Teams
Google has confirmed that it will be laying off hundreds of workers across its virtual assistant, augmented reality, and central engineering teams. The decision comes as part of the company's efforts to streamline operations and prioritize its key product areas.
The layoffs will primarily affect employees working on Google Assistant, as well as those from other parts of the company's knowledge and information product teams. Additionally, roles from the Digital Services and Product Area, particularly the first-party Augmented Reality Hardware team, will also be eliminated. Furthermore, positions within the central engineering team will be cut as well.
The exact number of employees impacted by the layoffs has not been disclosed by Google. However, it is estimated that a few hundred workers will be affected by these organizational changes.
Industry-Wide Layoffs in the Tech Sector
Google's layoffs are part of a broader trend in the tech industry, with other major companies also announcing job cuts. Amazon recently revealed plans to lay off several hundred employees in its streaming and studio operations, while video game streaming platform Twitch announced a reduction of its workforce by 35 percent, affecting around 500 employees.
It is worth noting that the tech industry faced significant layoffs in the past. In January of the previous year, Google's parent company, Alphabet, cut approximately 12,000 jobs, Microsoft laid off around 10,000 employees, and Amazon reduced its headcount by about 18,000.
Google's Response and Union Criticism
In response to the layoffs, a Google spokesperson stated that the company is making changes to become more efficient and align resources with its key product priorities. They emphasized that these decisions are aimed at positioning the company for future opportunities.
However, the Alphabet Workers Union criticized the layoffs, calling them "another round of needless layoffs." The union expressed concern over the company's decision to lay off employees while generating significant profits. They vowed to continue fighting until job security is ensured for all workers.
Google's recent announcement of layoffs across its virtual assistant, augmented reality, and engineering teams reflects the company's efforts to optimize its operations and focus on key product areas. These organizational changes are part of a broader trend of job cuts in the tech industry. While Google defends its decision as necessary for future growth, the Alphabet Workers Union has expressed dissatisfaction and pledged to advocate for job security for all employees.