New Delhi: The wave of layoffs in the tech industry has continued through 2025, with over 75,000 jobs lost globally as major corporations adjust to an AI-driven business landscape. From restructuring initiatives to shifting toward automation, tech giants like Intel, Microsoft, Meta, and HP have significantly reduced their workforce, citing efficiency, cost-cutting, and future-readiness.
🔻 Major Layoffs in 2025:
Intel led the downsizing trend, eliminating 20% of its global workforce, which equates to approximately 22,000 jobs. CEO Lip-Bu Tan emphasized the need to cut through managerial complexity and streamline operations. Layoffs affected mid-level managers and technicians, particularly in the U.S. and Israel.
Microsoft followed closely, terminating 15,000 employees in two major rounds. A significant number of these cuts came from its Xbox gaming division, as the company continues investing heavily in AI. Silent layoffs have also occurred across global offices.
Meta laid off 3,600 staff members, accounting for around 5% of its workforce. Though the company claimed the move was performance-based, reports suggest that some highly rated employees were also let go.
HP slashed 2,000 jobs in February as part of ongoing restructuring plans aimed at saving up to $300 million. Meanwhile, Hewlett Packard Enterprise also cut 2,500 employees in March.
Recruitment platforms Indeed and Glassdoor, ironically, were not spared. Their parent company, Recruit Holdings, let go of 1,300 staff while stating a shift in focus toward AI tools as the reason for the downsizing.
Other notable companies that saw job cuts this year include Ola Electric (1,000), Salesforce (1,000), Autodesk (1,350), OpenText (1,600), and Northvolt (2,800).
📊 Top Companies by Layoff Count in 2025:
| Company Name | Employees Fired | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Intel | 22,000 | April 23 |
| Microsoft | 15,000 | May 13, July 2 |
| Meta | 3,600 | February 10 |
| Northvolt | 2,800 | March 31 |
| Hewlett Packard Enterprise | 2,500 | March 6 |
| HP | 2,000 | February 28 |
| Workday | 1,750 | February 5 |
| OpenText | 1,600 | May 6 |
| Autodesk | 1,350 | February 27 |
| Indeed + Glassdoor | 1,300 | July 10 |
The underlying cause across most of these layoffs appears to be accelerated AI adoption, restructuring, and a reassessment of post-pandemic staffing models. Experts warn that while AI enhances productivity, it is also displacing human roles at a rapid pace, particularly in middle management and technical support functions.
As 2025 progresses, analysts anticipate further workforce reductions in industries vulnerable to automation—indicating that this trend may be far from over.
