Google Layoffs Over 100 Employees From Design and Cloud Teams in Workforce Restructuring to Prioritise AI

Global technology giant Google has reportedly laid off more than 100 employees from its design-related teams as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline operations and prioritise artificial intelligence initiatives. According to a CNBC report, the job cuts primarily impacted teams working in cloud research, user experience and product design strategy.

Tech Layoffs 2025: Google Fires Around 100 Employees From Cloud Division Department

The layoffs affected groups such as the "quantitative user experience research" and "platform and service experience" teams within Google's Cloud division. These roles were responsible for using user data and feedback to help improve the design and functionality of Google Cloud products. Some teams were reportedly reduced by up to 50%, with most of the impacted positions based in the United States.

Google Layoffs: Job Cuts Amid Company Shifting focus to AI and Cost-cutting

This move follows a broader trend within Google, which has been making workforce adjustments throughout 2025 to refocus its resources on core business areas, particularly artificial intelligence. In February, Google made staff reductions in its cloud division as part of a similar restructuring. The latest layoffs are being seen as an extension of those changes, with the company continuing to reevaluate roles that are not directly aligned with its long-term AI goals.

Employees impacted by the cuts have reportedly been given until early December to apply for new roles within the company. In a statement to CNBC, Google said the changes are designed to "increase velocity, improve customer experience, and drive accountability across the organization."

The design-related layoffs come just weeks after another round of cuts targeting more than 200 contract workers involved in developing AI products like Gemini and AI Overviews. Industry watchers believe the moves signal Google's growing shift away from traditional user-focused design towards a more AI-driven development model.

As of December 2024, Google had 183,323 full-time employees, according to a regulatory filing. The company has also offered voluntary exit packages across several departments this year, including human resources, hardware, marketing, and finance, while reducing middle management roles significantly.

While Google has not disclosed the exact number of roles cut in this latest round, the impact on key research and design teams suggests a strategic pivot toward AI-focused product development and streamlined internal operations.