Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai announced that Google will continue expanding its engineering workforce through 2026, directly challenging industry worries about AI-driven job cuts. Speaking at the Bloomberg Tech conference, Pichai described AI as an “accelerator” that boosts engineer productivity rather than a replacement for human talent.

While competitors like Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have slashed thousands of jobs to fund AI investments, Google’s approach prioritises human expertise to unlock new technology opportunities in areas such as autonomous vehicles, quantum computing, and the rapidly growing YouTube platform, especially in markets like India.

Pichai emphasised that AI handles routine tasks, freeing engineers to focus on innovation and complex problem-solving. Despite optimism, he also acknowledged AI’s current limitations and uncertainty about reaching artificial general intelligence (AGI).

This hiring pledge signals a strategic pivot for Alphabet following layoffs in recent years, highlighting a renewed focus on investing in people to maintain competitive advantage in an AI-driven future.