The search engine outfit plans to invest over $7 billion in new offices and data centres this year, as it looks to business operations post-pandemic. The projects will span 19 states and will create at least 10,000 jobs, the company said.

In December, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said the company was considering a hybrid work model, in which people work in the office for at least three days, while working the other days remotely. But he said the new plan might not be available to all workers, like engineers who spend lots of time in data centres.

Pichai said in a blog post: "Coming together in-person to collaborate and build community is core to Google's culture, and it will be an important part of our future. So we continue to make significant investments in our offices around the country."

Part of the $7 billion investment includes $1 billion toward offices in Google's home state of California. Google will also grow its offices in Atlanta, Washington DC, Chicago and New York, Pichai said.

The investment in data centres comes as Google focuses heavily on expanding its cloud business, allowing other companies and organisations to rent server space from Google. Last month, Google began disclosing new financial details about its cloud division, as it aims to broaden its business beyond its massive search and advertising operation. Revenue rose to $3.83 billion last quarter, from $2.61 billion a year earlier.