As Google continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation with initiatives like Gemini and Google Bard, reports suggest that the tech giant may be on the brink of a significant workforce shakeup. The looming possibility of laying off approximately 30,000 employees, particularly within its ad sales division, has emerged as the company aims to harness the power of artificial intelligence for operational efficiency.
Sean Downey, head of ad sales for major accounts in the US, hinted at a reorganization during a recent meeting, although no explicit mention of layoffs was made. The restructuring plans seem to be centered around the ad sales team, reflecting Google’s exploration of AI applications to enhance operational processes.
Earlier this year, Google unveiled AI-powered ads, introducing a “natural-language conversational experience within Google Ads.” This AI advancement was designed to streamline campaign creation and simplify Search ads by scanning websites and generating relevant keywords, headlines, descriptions, images, and other assets.
The integration of AI in customer care services is poised to impact roles traditionally performed by humans. The report indicates that Google aims to streamline its workforce and potentially implement layoffs to reallocate employees within its large-account sales division, which oversees partnerships with major advertisers. The shift is influenced by the automated productivity gains offered by Google’s new AI tools.
This prospective workforce restructuring follows Google’s decision to terminate 12,000 employees at the beginning of the year 2023. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, acknowledged the challenges faced by the company, emphasizing the necessity of decisive action in the face of global shifts and uncertainties.
