Google is set to eliminate “a few hundred roles” in its advertising sales team as part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at better supporting small and medium businesses. This move follows recent layoffs within the company’s hardware and central engineering teams, as well as positions related to Google Assistant.
According to a Google spokesperson, the job cuts are part of an annual process to optimize the team’s structure, ensuring it provides the best service to Ads customers. The restructuring involves mapping customers to the right specialist teams and sales channels to meet their service needs. The company intends to expand the number of customer accounts supported by the team and anticipates increased hiring in 2024.
“As part of this, a few hundred roles globally are being eliminated, and impacted employees will be able to apply for open roles on the team or elsewhere at Google,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
This announcement comes on the heels of Google’s previous round of layoffs, where several hundred jobs were cut within the hardware and central engineering teams, affecting employees working on Google Assistant and teams responsible for Nest, Pixel, Fitbit, and augmented reality products.
Google highlighted that it is responsibly investing in its biggest priorities and opportunities, making organizational changes to enhance efficiency and better align resources with major product priorities. The company has emphasized its commitment to long-term sustainability and growth.
In January 2023, Google had cut approximately 12,000 jobs, reducing its workforce by about 6%. The recent layoffs are part of ongoing efforts to realign resources, streamline operations, and position the company strategically for future opportunities.
The tech industry, in general, has witnessed various companies grappling with layoffs. Amazon’s livestreaming platform, Twitch, recently announced a 35% reduction in its workforce, citing the need to rightsize the company. Amazon itself is cutting jobs in its Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios divisions.
Beyond Amazon and Google, other tech companies, including Discord and Duolingo, have also initiated layoffs at the beginning of the year. The reasons cited by these companies range from organizational restructuring to the need for increased efficiency and sustainability in their operations.
While layoffs are common in the tech sector due to dynamic market conditions and evolving business strategies, companies often emphasize their commitment to supporting employees through transitions, including facilitating applications for other available positions within the organization.