Google Has Eliminated 35% Of Managers Overseeing Small Teams

Google has cut over one-third of its managers overseeing small teams as part of its ongoing efforts to streamline operations, according to Brian Welle, VP of people analytics and performance. At a recent all-hands meeting, Welle said there are now 35% fewer managers with fewer direct reports compared to last year, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and increase efficiency. These cuts mainly targeted managers leading fewer than three people, many of whom have transitioned into individual contributor roles.

CEO Sundar Pichai reiterated the company’s focus on efficiency, stating the goal is not to rely solely on adding headcount to scale. Since 2023, Google has laid off about 6% of its workforce, slowed hiring, and offered voluntary buyouts. Around 3% to 5% of employees in teams like search, marketing, and hardware accepted the buyouts, according to Chief People Officer Fiona Cicconi, who noted that many chose to take time off for personal reasons.

While employees suggested benefits like Meta’s month-long sabbatical, Google said its current leave offerings are sufficient. Pichai jokingly dismissed the idea of adopting all of Meta’s policies, saying, “Probably not.”