Artificial bosses | Google pioneers AI leadership meetings, but staff aren't happy

Offering a tantalising glimpse of a future without meetings with your boss, Google has implemented an AI system to manage communication between executives and employees.

The move highlights how AI is not only replacing traditional worker roles but is now taking on tasks typically reserved for human leaders.

Google, well-known for its innovative approach to workplace culture, has introduced an AI tool called "Ask" to facilitate its monthly all-hands meetings, known internally as "TGIF" (Thank God It's Friday). The new system represents a significant departure from the company's previous approach to internal communication.

Googlers grumble about company's AI moderator

Formerly, Google employees could directly submit and upvote questions through a tool called Dory, ensuring that the most pressing concerns reached top executives, including CEO Sundar Pichai. However, the new AI-driven system now acts as an intermediary, summarizing and rephrasing employee inquiries before presenting them to leadership, which has been criticized by some staff.

While Google claims this change improves efficiency and broadens participation, some employees view it differently. Anonymous sources within the company suggest that the AI system is softening the tone of questions, making them less pointed and easier for executives to address. This has led to concerns about reduced transparency and meaningful dialogue between staff and leadership.

Read more from us

‘Ruthless workplace’ | Musk tells X staff: Prove your company achievements if you want to get your stock grants

"They're just trying to dodge damaging context and questions from being seen by a larger audience," one Google employee reportedly said, highlighting the growing unease about the new system.