As Google layoffs continue in 2024, Austin impact remains unclear

Google, which has a significant Austin presence, is planning even more job cuts this year following a tumultuous 2023 with several rounds of layoffs. The tech giant has repeatedly slashed jobs since January 2023, when the company said it would cut about 6% of its workforce, or 12,000 jobs. Google confirmed the newest layoffs to the American-Statesman in a statement Monday, saying the company is “responsibly investing” in its biggest priorities and opportunities, but positions may be cut on a team level as a result of organizational changes. “To best position us for these opportunities, throughout the second half of 2023, a number of our teams made changes to become more efficient and work better, and to align their resources to their biggest product priorities,” a Google spokesperson said. “Some teams are continuing to make these kinds of organizational changes, which include some role eliminations globally."

It’s not clear if Austin will see job cuts or cost-saving measures. The tech giant declined to comment on any impacts to its Central Texas workforce, as it has done in both January and September 2023 during previous layoff rounds. So far, no Google layoffs have shown up in any Austin-area WARN notices for 2023 or 2024. But while companies are required to file WARN notices, short for Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, to the local government in the event of large layoffs, many don't meet the complex criteria for self-reporting. Austin is considered one of Google’s largest hubs, and the tech giant has had a significant presence since it first opened an Austin office in 2007. Google declined to give an updated Austin headcount after each recent layoff round, but as of late 2021 Google had at least 1,500 employees in Central Texas with plans to grow. The company also has plans to expand into the 35-story Block 185 “sailboat” tower being built at 601 W. Second St. As of last year, the company aimed to move into space sometime in 2024. This week, Google declined to share an updated timeline on the move.