Google Layoffs: Over 100 Design Jobs Cut Amid AI Shift

Google has laid off more than 100 employees in design-related roles, primarily within the cloud division’s quantitative user experience research and platform & service experience teams, CNBC reports. Many affected employees are US-based, and some have been given until early December to find alternative positions within the company.

The impacted roles, which focus on analysing user behaviour through data, surveys, and research to guide product design, saw some teams reduced by nearly half.

Focus Shifts to Artificial Intelligence

The layoffs come as part of Google’s broader restructuring, aligning its resources toward artificial intelligence (AI). The company has been ramping up investment in AI infrastructure, redirecting resources from roles it deems less critical for growth.

In September 2025, over 200 contractors working on AI tools such as Gemini and AI Overviews were also laid off, highlighting tensions around job security and pay.

Job Cuts Across Divisions

Design layoffs are not isolated. Earlier this year, Google trimmed staff in its cloud unit, global business unit, and Platforms & Devices division, which develops hardware and software. Voluntary exit packages have been offered to employees in human resources, search, ads, marketing, finance, and commerce.

In comments to Reuters, Google said the changes aim to improve collaboration and customer service while streamlining operations.

Reduction in Middle Management

Reports indicate that Google has cut more than a third of middle management, particularly managers overseeing small teams. This restructuring aims to speed up decision-making while shifting focus to AI development.

Despite these layoffs, Google remains one of the largest employers in tech, with 183,323 employees as of December 2024, according to regulatory filings.