Over 80% of Google employees received pay raises, but non-technical roles saw smaller increases.
Google's pay structure includes base salary, equity awards, and bonuses, varying by performance and location.
The backlash follows Google's 2024 restructuring of its Pixel and Android teams, which included a voluntary exit program.
Google is reportedly facing employee backlash because their 2025 pay packages included lower compensation increases. Employees, particularly those with non-technical backgrounds, were impacted by pay increases that did not align with the company’s strong financial results. Employees expressed their concerns during a recent company-wide TGIF meeting, questioning leadership about the reduced salary increments.
According to Business Insider, one of the most popular questions at the meeting was about why raises and stock grants were so small despite Google’s financial success. Google’s VP of Global and Benefits, John Casey, stated that more than 80% of employees received salary increases. He also mentioned that non-technical positions and specific locations received smaller equity grants as part of the company’s efforts to align salaries with local market conditions.
Also read: iPhone 16 Pro available with over Rs 14,500 discount: How this deal works
For those unfamiliar, Google’s compensation structure consists of a base salary, equity awards, and bonuses, with pay variations based on individual performance. He also stated that the company’s compensation system is intended to reward top performers who contribute to the company’s success.
Also read: OnePlus 12R available with Rs 10,000 discount on Amazon: Check deal details here
Interestingly, this is not the first time Google has faced criticism for offering low salary adjustments to its employees. Last year, the company provided smaller raises to many employees. According to the company’s spokesperson, salaries continue to be adjusted in response to market trends and competitiveness.
The backlash comes months after the tech giant combined its Pixel hardware and Android software teams in April 2024. Following the restructuring, the company implemented a voluntary exit program for employees in the Platforms & Devices department. According to a memo from Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh, the reorganisation aims to streamline product development and innovation, requiring employees to be fully committed to Google’s long-term vision.
Follow Us
Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. Previously, he worked as a Senior Sub-Editor with Jagran English from 2022, and has been a journalist since 2020, with experience at Times Internet. Ashish specializes in Technology. In his free time, you can find him exploring new gadgets, gaming, and discovering new places. View Full Profile
