The global technology sector is undergoing significant workforce changes in 2025, with nearly 100,000 employees laid off across various companies. This trend reflects a broader shift in the industry, driven by strategic realignments, technological advancements, and changing market dynamics.
Leading technology companies have announced substantial layoffs this year. Intel plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 20%, potentially affecting over 20,000 employees. Panasonic has announced 10,000 job cuts as part of a major overhaul aimed at improving profitability and operational efficiency. Microsoft has laid off around 8,840 employees, including senior staff, despite reporting strong financial results. Meta has also reduced its workforce by 3,720 employees, even after posting significant profits.
The United States leads in the number of tech layoffs, accounting for approximately 65,545 job cuts. Within the U.S., California has reported the highest number of layoffs, followed by Washington, Texas, Massachusetts, and Arizona. Other countries experiencing significant layoffs include Japan with 10,100, Sweden with 3,053, Switzerland with 3,050, and India with 2,688 job cuts. Several factors contribute to this wave of layoffs. Companies are restructuring to align with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and automation technologies. For instance, Chegg laid off 22% of its workforce after investing in a GPT-4-powered AI assistant. Additionally, firms are focusing on streamlining operations and reducing costs to enhance profitability.
If the current pace of layoffs continues, the tech industry is projected to cut an additional 145,500 jobs by the end of the year, bringing the total to approximately 235,871 layoffs in 2025. This trend underscores the need for professionals in the tech sector to adapt to evolving technologies and market demands.
In summary, the tech industry’s workforce is experiencing significant changes in 2025, driven by technological advancements and strategic business decisions. Professionals in the sector must remain agile and proactive in upskilling to navigate this evolving landscape.
