Heaptalk, Jakarta — Google has laid off hundreds of its employees to restructure its operations and optimize efficiency. The latest job-cutting wave affects key teams behind Android, Pixel devices, and the Chrome browser. Reuters reported that anonymous company representatives confirmed the job reduction. Although Google did not disclose the exact number of affected staff, the layoffs involve substantial portions of the engineering and support teams within the impacted divisions.
A Google spokesperson stated, “The company is responsibly investing in our company’s biggest priorities and future opportunities. We are removing layers to simplify execution.” This restructuring is part of broader organizational changes that have been occurring across Alphabet Inc. since early 2024.
Several engineering roles were eliminated in the Android division, which powers over 70% of the world’s smartphones. Pixel, Google’s flagship hardware line, was also affected by cuts, including personnel involved in device development and product management. Meanwhile, the Chrome team, responsible for one of the most widely used browsers globally, experienced downsizing in development and support functions.
Insiders suggest that some affected positions are being shifted to teams in more cost-efficient regions such as India and Mexico, aligning with Alphabet’s recent strategy to rebalance its global workforce.
This move adds to job cuts that have rippled across the tech industry as companies recalibrate amid economic uncertainty and rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Google has undergone several layoffs over the past year, touching teams from advertising to cloud services. Despite the layoffs, the company remains committed to innovation in its core products, including Android, hardware, and Chrome.
Nevertheless, the job cuts likely signal Google’s attempt to streamline its operations amid intensifying competition and shifting market dynamics. While affected employees are being offered severance packages and internal support, repeated job cuts have sparked concerns among staff regarding job security and long-term strategic direction.
As the tech landscape evolves rapidly, industry watchers anticipate that further reorganizations could emerge, not just at Google, but across other major players navigating a similar balancing act between innovation and cost management.
“Since merging our platform and devices teams last year, we have been focused on becoming more agile and operating more effectively. This includes making several job cuts in addition to the voluntary exit program we offered in January.” Google’s Spokesperson said, The Information.
