Google announces 12,000 job cuts

Google will layoff 12,000 employees globally. Google workers in the US who are affected have already received an email, while impacted staff elsewhere will be informed soon. In a letter to employees, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said that the company took a "rigorous review across product areas" to ensure that current roles are aligned with the company's highest priorities. It remains unclear which department is most affected by the latest round of mass layoffs. The letter by Pichai also highlights that the company will ensure a smooth "transition" for the impacted workers. Google will pay employees during the full notification period (minimum 60 days). It says that it would offer a severance package starting at 16 weeks' salary plus two weeks for every additional year at Google. Entitled workers will also receive bonuses and healthcare benefits as per their contracts. On the other hand, Google workers outside the US will receive a severance package as per their contracts and local guidelines. His letter reads, "As an almost 25-year-old company, we're bound to go through difficult economic cycles. These are important moments to sharpen our focus, reengineer our cost base, and direct our talent and capital to our highest priorities."

Google's announcement comes days after Microsoft laid off 10,000 workers. Other tech giants such as Meta and Twitter have also fired thousands of workers owing to the weakening of the global economy. Twitter, since Elon Musk's takeover last year, has trimmed half of its workforce. The company currently has roughly 2,000 staff. The social media giant fired more workers earlier this week. Some other American tech giants that laid off workers to cut expenses include HP, Adobe, and Salesforce. On the other hand, several Indian tech firms such as Swiggy, Dunzo, and more have laid off hundreds of workers.