Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced this week that the company will be undergoing more layoffs in 2023 as it looks to restructure operations and invest heavily in artificial intelligence technology. This news comes after an initial round of job cuts targeted Google’s sales and marketing teams last week.
Background
Google has been facing mounting pressures as tech companies deal with economic uncertainty and preparations for a potential recession. Last quarter, Alphabet reported weaker-than-expected earnings, including its first-ever year-over-year quarterly revenue decline.
In an internal memo sent this week, Pichai warned employees that Google plans to “realign resources to fuel our highest growth priorities” – signaling that more layoffs are imminent. This continues recent downsizing efforts across Meta, Amazon, Salesforce and other tech giants.
“Being constrained in some areas allows us to bet big on others,” Pichai wrote.
The focus areas he wants to “bet big” on include artificial intelligence, specifically large language models that can understand queries and conversational AI.
Initial Round of Layoffs
Last week, Google eliminated around 200 employees in its sales and marketing divisions. Most of the cuts targeted the ad sales team as Google looks to automate more of the digital advertising process using AI tools.
“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,” a Google spokesperson said about the job cuts.
Employees took to social media to express frustration over the layoffs:
“The lack of transparency and refusal to discuss the “why” behind the layoffs is infuriating,” one engineer wrote.
Some key numbers on the initial round of layoffs:
- Around 200 employees laid off
- Most cuts targeted the ad sales division
- Part of shift towards AI automation in advertising
Pivot Towards Artificial Intelligence
As Google continues restructuring in 2023, the focus remains firmly set on expanding its AI capabilities to improve products and operations.
Google plans to incorporate more AI features across search, its cloud platform, consumer hardware products, and more. This will reduce the company’s reliance on digital advertising revenue.
“AI is the most profound technology we are working on today,” Pichai wrote in his recent memo.
Key areas where Google is betting big on AI growth:
Large Language Models
Google wants to be a leader in leveraging powerful language models like LaMDA to improve search queries and drive more conversational interactions.
Computer Vision
Advancing computer vision to analyze images and video. This can enhance products like Google Lens, YouTube, etc.
Robotics
Expanding robotics research for potential manufacturing and healthcare applications. Google recently demoed a robotic arm capable of sensing and responding to its environment.
What’s Next?
With Google still planning to cut more jobs in the near future, employees are left worried and uncertain about their futures. The company has over 187,000 employees globally, but exact details of the coming layoffs remain unclear.
Pichai claimed the cuts are necessary to reach “an AI-first world” and promised to treat outgoing employees with care:
“I’m confident about the huge opportunity in front of us thanks to the strength of our mission, the value of our products and services, and our early investments in AI.”
His memo indicates Google will look to redirect resources from some divisions towards high-growth priorities around AI. This likely means more job losses are imminent.
Key things to expect next from Google:
- More layoffs in 2023 as part of restructuring
- Continued focus shifting resources to AI
- Employee frustration and uncertainty
- Efforts to cut costs across the business
While tech companies deal with various economic woes, the race to advance AI also intensifies competition in the space. As Google goes all-in on emerging technologies like large language models, they aim to lead innovation – even if that means overhaulings parts of the business in the process.
The coming months will determine how effectively Google can execute this strategic pivot towards an AI-powered future. But the short-term outlook points towards a painful transition period for both the company and its workforce.
To err is human, but AI does it too. Whilst factual data is used in the production of these articles, the content is written entirely by AI. Double check any facts you intend to rely on with another source.
