Google is reportedly considering laying off 30,000 employees in its ad sales division. The restructuring is a response to Google’s exploration of AI applications for operational efficiency, raising concerns about job security in human-centric roles.
Sean Downey, head of ad sales for major accounts in the US, mentioned in a recent meeting that Google plans to reorganize its ad sales team but did not explicitly address the possibility of layoffs. The Information reported that the integration of AI is expected to significantly impact the operational aspects, leading to potential job cuts, particularly within the ad sales team.
Google’s recent focus on AI advancements, such as Gemini and Google Bard, signals the company’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence. However, the move to implement AI internally raises concerns about its potential impact on employment.
Earlier in the year, Google introduced AI-powered ads featuring a “natural-language conversational experience within Google Ads.” The technology aimed to streamline campaign creation and simplify Search ads, with the AI capable of scanning websites and generating keywords, headlines, descriptions, images, and other assets.
The integration of AI in Google’s customer care services is expected to have a direct impact on human-centric jobs within the department. The company reportedly plans to streamline its workforce, potentially involving layoffs and reassignment of employees in its large-account sales division, which oversees partnerships with major advertisers.
This potential workforce reduction follows Google’s previous layoff of 12,000 employees at the beginning of the year 2023. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, acknowledged the challenging nature of the times, stating, “At Google, we have not faced a comparable juncture in 25 years. We recognized that if we had not taken action, it would have led to more adverse outcomes down the line.” The company cited the need to address global shifts and ensure its continued resilience in the face of evolving challenges.
The potential layoffs underscore the ongoing transformation in the tech industry as companies increasingly turn to AI for operational enhancements, raising questions about the balance between technological progress and workforce implications.