Google lays off and relocates hundreds of key employees

In the ever-evolving tech industry, Google has made headlines once again with its recent mass layoffs and employee relocations. According to documents obtained by CNBC, over 200 employees from Google’s “Core” division were let go, with additional employees being moved to India and Mexico as part of the company’s restructuring efforts. These layoffs came just days before Google’s Q1 2024 earnings announcement on April 25.

The “Core” employees at Google are responsible for building the technical foundation behind the company’s flagship products, ensuring online safety for users, and maintaining internal IT systems to support employees in their work. The layoffs primarily affected software engineers, with nearly 50 employees at Google’s HQ in Sunnyvale, California feeling the impact.

Google’s parent company, Alphabet, reported a strong Q1 2024 with a 15% increase in revenue to $80.54 billion. This growth was the fastest rate since 2022, driven by strong performance in Search, YouTube, and Cloud services. Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai expressed optimism for the future, citing momentum in AI research and infrastructure.

These recent job cuts follow a previous round of layoffs in January, where nearly 1,000 employees were let go in Google’s hardware and search division. The company aims to maintain its global footprint while expanding in high-growth locations to operate closer to partners and developer communities.

Alphabet’s stock was up over 58% year over year, reflecting investor confidence in the company’s strategic direction. As Google continues to navigate the changing tech landscape, employees and stakeholders alike are watching closely to see how the company adapts and innovates in the face of challenges.