Google is dialing up the pressure for more employees to use AI — and not just engineers
Business Insider
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Google is intensifying its push for employees across all departments to integrate AI into their workflows, marking a significant shift in how the company operates internally. While engineers have long been encouraged to use AI coding assistants, non-technical staff are now being explicitly told to adopt AI tools as part of their roles. Managers have informed workers that AI usage will factor into performance reviews, known as Googler Reviews and Development (GRAD). This move reflects Google's broader strategy to embed AI deeply within every aspect of the company.
The initiative is part of Google's ongoing efforts to leverage AI for greater productivity and innovation. Non-technical employees are being encouraged to use AI for tasks such as creating strategy documents, analyzing sales calls, and generating customer insights. Sales teams, for instance, are now expected to use internal AI tools that record phone conversations and take notes during interactions with clients. In some cases, these expectations come with specific quotas, and senior staff are held to higher standards of understanding and utilizing AI effectively.
This push aligns with broader trends in the tech industry, where companies like Meta and Microsoft are also integrating AI into employee evaluations. Google's CFO revealed that around 50% of the company's code is now generated by AI tools, a figure that continues to rise. By embedding AI across all roles, Google aims to stay competitive with its rivals while driving efficiency and innovation. The integration of AI into performance reviews signals a new era where employees at every level are expected to demonstrate proficiency in leveraging AI for their work.
This shift matters because it highlights the growing importance of AI as a core competency in modern businesses. As companies increasingly rely on AI to drive decision-making and productivity, employees must adapt to remain relevant. Google's approach underscores the idea that AI is no longer just a tool for engineers but a fundamental aspect of how all workers contribute to their organizations. For readers interested in business and technology trends, this reflects the broader industry shift toward AI-driven workflows and the evolving expectations for professionals across industries.
In summary, Google's initiative to expand AI usage company-wide is a strategic move to enhance productivity, foster innovation
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/26/2026