Alphabet cuts 12,000 jobs after pandemic hiring spree, refocuses on AI

2 years ago

Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is cutting 12,000 jobs, or 6% of its workforce, as it shifts its focus to artificial intelligence (AI) and discontinues support for experimental projects.

The move comes after a period of rapid hiring during the pandemic, and follows similar downsizing efforts at other tech companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta Platforms.

Shares in Alphabet rose 4% on the news, despite falling 30% over the past year in line with the broader tech industry.

The company’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, stated in a memo that he takes “full responsibility” for the decisions leading to the layoffs.

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