Perks & recreation? | Google cuts employee benefits amid plans to boost AI funding

A memo was sent to Google employees from the company’s CFO Ruth Porat and senior VP Prabhakar Raghavan stating that employee perks, such as free snacks, laundry services and company lunches, would no longer be on offer.

The tech giant will also be cutting back on fitness classes available to workers, personal equipment such as laptops, and will be slowing down its recruitment process.

The Google execs explained these cuts were primarily due to increased economic strain and desires to prioritise AI development.

"This work is particularly vital because of our recent growth, the challenging economic environment, and our incredible investment opportunities to drive technology forward — particularly in AI," they explained.