Google is overhauling its popular internal learning platform, Grow, to focus on teaching employees how to incorporate modern artificial intelligence tools into their daily workflows, CNBC has learned.
Previously home to a wide array of classes—from product development and 3D printing to personal finance and even solving a Rubik’s cube—Grow has now been revamped to prioritize AI-related courses. The shift signals a broader move within the company to align employee development with its core business objectives.
“We have an active learning culture with numerous in-house courses tied to company priorities, along with generous educational reimbursement,” a Google spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “Our internal course offerings have ballooned since we launched it ten years ago, and we’re refreshing Grow to help employees find the most relevant learning opportunities.”
The move comes as companies across industries accelerate efforts to train their workforces on generative AI technologies following OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT in late 2022. Google’s overhaul of Grow reflects this growing urgency and the tech giant’s desire to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.
According to internal communications reviewed by CNBC, Google employees with existing Grow course registrations were informed in the spring that their sessions would be canceled, and associated materials archived. Prior to the revamp, Grow had accumulated more than 500,000 course listings since its launch over a decade ago. It was considered by many employees to be one of the unique perks of working at the company.
The internal memo to course creators cited low engagement and lack of alignment with current business needs as reasons for the shake-up. “Those that orgs have confirmed are up-to-date and focused on business priorities will still be available,” Google’s people operations team wrote.
Employees noted on internal forums that the phrase “focused on business priorities” reflects a broader company shift: Google is now doubling down on programs that contribute directly to its bottom line.
The overhaul comes amid broader cost-cutting efforts at Google, which has implemented rolling layoffs across several departments. The shift follows finance chief Anat Ashkenazi’s comment last fall that the company could “push a little further” on reducing costs. In line with these efforts, Google has also scaled back some employee perks and reduced offerings such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) trainings—moves influenced both by internal realignments and former President Trump’s executive orders.
By streamlining Grow and zeroing in on AI education, Google is reinforcing its commitment to operational efficiency while preparing its workforce for the next phase of technological transformation.
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