The aftermath of Big Tech's "Year of Efficiency" is witnessing ongoing job cuts at Google and Amazon, signaling a continued trend in 2024.
Despite expectations of smaller, targeted layoffs, the tech giants are strategically trimming their workforces as they heavily invest in generative AI.
Amazon, too, laid off several hundred employees in streaming, studio operations, Twitch, and Audible.
Alphabet recently announced its intention to prioritize significant investments in key areas while laying off around a thousand employees across various divisions, including its voice assistant and Pixel and Fitbit teams.
Google and Amazon are in a fierce AI race, with Google unveiling its Gemini model, aiming to catch up with Microsoft.
January 2024 has seen over 7,500 job cuts in the tech sector, reflecting a commitment to AI investments even at the expense of other initiatives.
While layoffs are anticipated to be smaller this year, contrasting with the massive cuts in 2023, companies are shifting hiring priorities, particularly in the lucrative AI roles, with substantial salaries offered.
Simultaneously, Amazon is developing "Olympus" to compete with OpenAI's GPT-4 model.
The focus on AI is changing hiring priorities, and tech companies are adjusting their workforce to align with these technological shifts.
The tech sector, which experienced significant layoffs in 2023, faces evolving dynamics, fueled by the AI revolution.