Google Employees Express Discontent Over 2025 Compensation Reductions

Google is facing criticism from employees after many received lower-than-expected pay increases for 2025. The dissatisfaction stems from smaller stock grants and base salary adjustments, particularly for non-technical roles. Employees have expressed concerns about their pay not aligning with the company’s strong financial performance.

TGIF Meeting Sparks Discussion

During a recent TGIF company-wide meeting, employees had the opportunity to submit and vote on questions addressed by Google leadership. One of the most popular questions revolved around the reasoning behind reduced pay increases, despite the company reporting strong financial results.

John Casey, Google's Vice President for Global Compensation and Benefits, responded by stating that more than 80% of employees did receive a salary increase for 2025. However, he clarified that compensation adjustments were made based on job role and location, with non-technical positions and employees in certain regions receiving smaller equity packages. This, he explained, was part of Google’s strategy to align salaries with market conditions.

Google’s Compensation Structure

Google’s pay structure consists of a base salary, equity awards, and performance-based bonuses. Employees who contribute significantly to company success often receive higher compensation than others. Casey emphasized that Google remains committed to rewarding high-performing employees.

Ongoing Trends in Pay Adjustments

This is not the first time Google employees have faced pay reductions. In 2024, similar concerns were raised regarding compensation changes. A company spokesperson confirmed that the 2025 compensation cycle followed a similar pattern, with salary adjustments based on industry trends and geographic market competition.

Organizational Changes and Their Impact

The controversy follows Google's decision to merge its Pixel hardware and Android software teams in April 2024. After the merger, the company introduced a voluntary exit program for employees in the Platforms & Devices department. In a memo, Senior Vice President Rick Osterloh stated that the company sought employees dedicated to its mission and product-focused goals, ensuring innovation and streamlined product development.

While Google remains one of the top-paying companies in the tech industry, the recent adjustments in compensation have left many employees dissatisfied. With concerns over pay equity growing, it remains to be seen how the company will address these issues moving forward.