Google has laid off approximately 100 employees from its Cloud division. This step has been taken as part of a strategy to reduce costs and focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Affected employees include those from the Design and UX Research departments. Many employees were let go without notice, while some were offered the option to transfer to other departments.
Google layoffs: Following Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Google has also laid off approximately 100 employees from its Cloud division. This move was primarily aimed at reducing costs and increasing focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The affected employees are from the Design and User Experience Research (UX Research) departments. Some were offered the option to transfer to other teams, while many were asked to leave without notice.
Who was affected
The company has primarily laid off employees working in departments related to Design and User Experience Research. These employees were responsible for conducting product research, analyzing user data, and assisting in the development of new features. Many employees were given direct termination notices, while some also received the option to transfer to other teams.
Why layoffs despite profitability
The most surprising aspect is that Google Cloud's profitability has been consistently increasing. In the second quarter of 2025, the Cloud division's revenue reached $13.6 billion, a 32 percent increase compared to the previous year. The operating profit for this same division also reached $2.8 billion.
Nevertheless, the company has decided to reduce expenses and reallocate resources. Google is now cutting back on departments and roles that are not part of its new AI-centric strategy. This implies that the company is now prioritizing responsibilities based on AI and new technologies, rather than older methods.
Google's emphasis on AI
Since the beginning of 2025, Google has made Artificial Intelligence its priority. A process to offer voluntary retirement packages to employees was initiated in several units across the US. Additionally, approximately one-third of employees related to management were also shown the door.
According to reports, this process is being carried out in phases. Some employees were given the option to move to other teams, while many were directly given notice to leave their jobs without prior intimation.
Employees laid off without notice
Many affected employees stated that they received no prior notice before losing their jobs. One employee mentioned that they were working in the US on an O-1 visa. Under this visa, they would have to find a new job within just 60 days, or else they would have to leave the US.
The company gave some employees the opportunity to apply for other departments until early December. Despite this, questions are being raised about the transparency of the process. Both resentment and concern are being observed across social media and the tech industry regarding this situation.
Layoffs have occurred before
This is not the first time Google has conducted large-scale layoffs. Approximately 200 employees were also terminated in May 2025. From the cases reported so far, it is clear that Google has removed employees in at least two separate phases. On both occasions, the company did not issue any official statement.
These layoffs by Google signal a shift in its business strategy. The company is now focusing on promoting AI and new technologies. Older tasks and traditional responsibilities are gradually being reduced. Experts believe that this move is part of Google's long-term plan.
The company's decision has sparked discussion among employees and in the industry. Many are raising questions about the transparency and timeline of this process.
