Google CEO Sundar Pichai Opens Up About Laying Off 12,000 Workers

Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai has finally opened up about the company’s biggest layoff in 25 years. Sundar Pichai, during an all-hands meeting, defended the decision to cut 6 per cent of the jobs in Alphabet, the holding company of Google.

Sundar Pichai said that the 12,000 job cuts, representing 6% of Alphabet’s workforce, was important to navigate economic shifts and position the company for future growth. He further said that delaying the layoffs-would have hindered the company’s growth. However, he admitted that Google could have handled the layoffs in a better manner.

What did Sundar Pichai say?

During the meeting, Google CEO said, “This is difficult for any company to go through. At Google, we really haven’t had a moment quite like that in 25 years.” He said it was “a very, very difficult decision.”

He called the decision “difficult but necessary.” Google CEO said it was a bad idea to immediately inform the employees about the layoff. Google announced layoff to all the fired employees at the same time, regardless of the time zone. Google did not give any warning to the affected employees. 

Google biggest layoff

Google conducted the biggest layoff in its history in 2022. The laid off employees were called ‘Golden 12K’. The laid off employees received generous severance pay. Google also offered them 2022 bonuses and remaining vacation time. The company also provided six months of healthcare, job placement services, and immigration support for affected employees. 

Tech layoffs

Earlier this year, major tech companies such as Meta, Google, X (Twitter), Microsoft and Amazon laid off thousands of employees. Tech companies in the United States laid off more than 12,000 workers. In January, tech companies laid off more than 28,000 workers.

Earlier this year, some Google employees were laid off from the company. In March, laid off Google employees sent a letter to Sundar Pichai, demanding a better handling of women workers on maternity leaves and sick leaves.