Google is deeply engaged in advancing its AI capabilities and appears to be strategizing for a future where AI plays a significant role in its operations. According to a recent report by The Information, the tech giant may potentially reduce its workforce by up to 30,000 employees as it prepares to leverage AI for various functions.
The restructuring primarily targets Google's ad sales department, where the implementation of AI could yield substantial operational benefits. This shift towards AI-driven processes is anticipated to prompt considerable changes within the company, particularly impacting roles dependent on traditional operational tasks. With digital advertising revenues undergoing transformation due to AI integration, roles tied to these tasks might be affected.
Also read/watch - 88% of air travelers think Indian airlines cut corners, compromise comfort
Moreover, Google is actively experimenting with AI in its customer support services, directly influencing the human-centric aspects of its operations. Earlier in the year, Google made headlines for workforce reductions, a move attributed partly to the need for realigning business strategies, as acknowledged by CEO Sundar Pichai.
Addressing the situation, Pichai remarked, "It would have been a significant challenge for the company. Especially during a transformative year like this, facing substantial global shifts, it would have been tough to allocate resources to invest in crucial areas."
While acknowledging the necessity for businesses to adapt, the decision to restructure and integrate AI into operations may face increased scrutiny, particularly for a company like Google, which generates substantial revenue across diverse sectors.
Reports indicate that approximately 12,000 positions have already been affected within Google, underscoring the company's ongoing shift towards AI-driven methodologies.