Google CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized the company’s commitment to its mission and discouraged political debates in a memo sent to employees on Thursday. The memo, spanning 1,200 words, outlined structural changes aimed at enhancing efficiency and execution within the company. Towards the end, Pichai addressed recent protests within Google.
Pichai clarified that while Google values open dialogue, the workplace must prioritize productivity and safety. He underscored that the company is not a platform for personal agendas or contentious debates, emphasizing the need to remain focused during this crucial period.
Sundar Pichai (Credits: NDTV)
The protests erupted following Google’s $1.2 billion cloud contract with Israel, with employees expressing opposition to the initiative, citing concerns about its alleged support for military technology used in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Several employees participated in sit-ins and office occupations, leading to nine arrests and subsequent dismissals.
Pichai’s statement echoed a memo from Google’s vice president of Global Security, Chris Rackow, who condemned the disruptive behavior and emphasized adherence to company policies on conduct and harassment.
Sundar Pichai (Credits: Business Insider Africa)
Despite the repercussions, one fired employee, Emaan Haseem, stood by her participation in the protest, stating her commitment to advocating for change within Google. She criticized the company for alleged dishonesty and pledged to continue pushing for accountability.
