The tech world is reeling as layoffs in 2025 have crossed the staggering 100,000 mark, with leading companies like Intel, Microsoft, Meta, and several others announcing sweeping job cuts. This wave of layoffs, the largest since the early 2020s, is reshaping the global technology landscape and sending shockwaves through the job market.
The year began with a series of high-profile announcements:
Intel revealed plans to cut over 12,000 jobs, citing declining PC sales and a strategic pivot toward AI and foundry services.
Microsoft announced layoffs affecting more than 10,000 employees, including roles in its cloud, gaming, and hardware divisions.
Meta (formerly Facebook) continued its multi-year cost-cutting spree, letting go of nearly 8,000 workers as it doubles down on AI and the metaverse.
Amazon, Google (Alphabet), Salesforce, and Cisco have each trimmed thousands from their payrolls, with some citing over-hiring during the pandemic and others pointing to shifting business priorities.
Smaller tech firms and startups have also not been spared, with many forced to downsize or shutter entirely amid tightening venture capital and increased competition.
The rapid adoption of AI tools has made many roles redundant, especially in software engineering, support, and administrative functions. Companies are investing heavily in automation to boost efficiency and reduce costs. The hiring frenzy of 2020-2022, fueled by remote work and digital transformation, led to bloated workforces. As growth normalizes, companies are recalibrating their staffing needs.
Global economic headwinds, including inflation, rising interest rates, and geopolitical tensions, have forced tech firms to tighten budgets and focus on profitability. Tech giants are reallocating resources to high-growth areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and hardware innovation, while scaling back on less profitable ventures.
For workers, the layoffs have been devastating. Social media is awash with stories of engineers, designers, and support staff suddenly out of work, many for the first time in their careers. Severance packages vary widely, and the rush to secure new roles in a saturated market has intensified competition.
Recruiters report a surge in applications for every open position, while some laid-off employees are considering career pivots or further education to stay relevant in an AI-driven job market.
Industry leaders are calling for resilience and adaptability. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized the company’s commitment to “responsible innovation,” while Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg described 2025 as a “year of efficiency and focus.”