Google layoffs: Hundreds of jobs cut as internal AI push continues

Google has cut more than 100 employees from design-related roles in its cloud unit, as the company continues to tighten costs and redirect spending toward artificial intelligence.

According to internal documents seen by CNBC, the layoffs affected teams in “quantitative user experience research” and “platform and service experience,” along with adjacent groups. These roles were central to understanding user behaviour through data, surveys, and design research that feed into product development. In some cases, Google has reportedly halved cloud design teams, with most of the cuts hitting U.S.-based employees. Those affected have until early December to secure another role within the company.

The move comes as Google accelerates its pivot to AI. Since early 2025, the company has been offering voluntary exit packages across US-based units, cutting managers overseeing small teams, and urging employees to integrate AI more deeply into daily workflows. Layoffs and buyouts have stretched across multiple divisions, including HR, hardware, ads, search, finance, and commerce.

CEO Sundar Pichai has repeatedly warned staff that Google must “be more efficient as we scale up,” signalling that headcount reductions are part of a broader long-term shift. The company has also made heavy investments in AI infrastructure to keep pace with rivals like Microsoft and Meta.