Google Cuts Approximately 35% of Managers Overseeing Small Teams

Google recently announced significant reductions in its management team, laying off over 35% of managers overseeing small teams, specifically those with three or fewer members. This information is based on a CNBC report and reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency amid multiple rounds of layoffs and restructuring. In 2023, Google reduced its workforce by approximately 6% across various divisions. Additionally, the company introduced a ‘voluntary exit programme’ targeting employees in the Android, Pixel, and other project teams, alongside slowing down hiring activities.

During a ‘Town Hall’ featuring senior executives, including CEO Sundar Pichai, staff raised concerns about job security, workplace culture, and internal barriers. Google’s vice president of people analytics, Brian Welle, highlighted the reduction, stating, “Right now, we have 35% fewer managers, with fewer direct reports than at this time a year ago. So a lot of fast progress there.” Welle also emphasised that Google aims for managers, including directors and VPs, to constitute a smaller proportion of the overall workforce over time. Pichai reiterated the necessity of efficiency, asserting that headcount increases should not be the sole solution as the company scales.

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Recently, tech giants like Google and Amazon prefer buyouts over layoffs, allowing employees to exit voluntarily with severance. Analysts estimate about one-third of Silicon Valley resignations in 2025 involve negotiated exits, reflecting a shift in workforce strategies. Google’s voluntary exit program (VEP) is available to U.S. employees across ten units, including Search and Hardware. Fiona Cicconi, Google’s chief people officer, said 3-5% of staff accepted buyouts, receiving 14 weeks of pay, extra for service, stock vesting, and six months of health coverage.