Google Cuts Over 100 Design Jobs in Cloud Unit, Shifting Focus to AI and Cost-Cutting

Google layoffs: Over 100 design roles cut as company shifts focus to AI and cost-cutting - The Economic Times

Google has cut over 100 jobs in design-related roles, according to CNBC. According to the report, staff from the cloud division's "quantitative user experience research" and "platform and service experience" teams were among those let go earlier this week, along with some other departments. These roles typically involve using data, surveys, and other tools to understand how users behave and help shape product design. The report added that some cloud design teams were reduced by half, with many job cuts affecting US-based staff. As per the report, some workers have been given until early December to secure a different position within Google. These job cuts are part of a broader shift as Google ramps up investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Just last month, Wired reported that over 200 contractors working on AI tools like Gemini and AI Overviews were laid off. That report also noted tensions around pay and working conditions. Some employees believe the layoffs were partly intended to quiet protests over low wages and job uncertainty. Back in February, too, Google let go of workers from its cloud unit to focus on areas described as "critical to our business and ensure our long-term success." Recently, staff cuts were made in the global business unit as well as its Platforms & Devices unit. Google told Reuters the company is making "small changes" across teams to improve collaboration and customer service. Since the start of the year, Google has also offered voluntary exit packages across several US-based departments, including human resources, hardware, search, ads, marketing, finance, and commerce. It has also reduced its number of middle managers, cutting more than a third of those overseeing small teams. According to a February filing, the company had 183,323 employees as of December 2024.

Google Cuts Over 100 Design Jobs in Cloud Unit, Shifts Focus to AI

Google Lays Off Over 100 Cloud Design Staff, Shrinks Teams by Half as Company Focuses on Artificial Intelligence Growth Google has laid off more than 100 staff from its design-related teams. The layoffs, as reported by , are primarily restricted to the firm's cloud division, affecting the 'quantitative user experience research' and 'platform and service experience' groups. These teams are known for researching users, analyzing data, and conducting surveys to enhance products and improve user experience. Internal documents obtained by journalists reveal that some of these teams have been downsized.