Google Employees Disappointed by Smaller Pay Hikes Despite Strong Performance

As the appraisal period inches closer, employees often find themselves anxious, anticipating the raises they might receive with the start of the new financial year.

While the suspense has ended for Google employees, many have been left disappointed once again due to smaller pay hikes.

According to a report by Business Insider, some employees experienced a decline in their refreshed stock grants and overall compensation.

Highlighting the company’s strong financial performance, employees sought answers for the smaller hikes during Google’s monthly TGIF (Thank God It’s Friday) meeting.

In response to the concerns, Google’s Vice President for Global Compensation and Benefits, John Casey, clarified that more than 80% of staff saw a year-on-year increase in their 2025 compensation. He further explained that some ‘Googlers’ in less technical roles in certain locations received smaller equity packages this year to align pay with local market conditions.

Google's compensation packages typically consist of a base salary, equity awards, and, in some cases, bonuses. The actual compensation a Googler receives varies based on performance.

Casey clarified that Google aims to reward employees who make an impact, and the compensation structure is designed to reward high performers.

In 2024, too, employees voiced concerns about the smaller pay hikes at Google.