Google memo on cost cuts sparks heated debate inside company

Pichai said that Google is based in an area with a high cost of living, something the company has little control over.

A 2016 document proposing cost cuts at Alphabet Inc’s Google, including fewer promotions and bonuses, sparked heated debate when it was shared inside the technology company for the first time this week, according to people familiar with the situation.

At a company wide townhall meeting, chief executive officer Sundar Pichai fielded questions about the proposals, some of which have been implemented, the people said. They asked not to be identified discussing internal activities.