The year 2025 proved to be one of the most challenging periods for the global workforce, especially across technology-driven industries. From chipmakers and IT services firms to cloud computing and telecom giants, large-scale layoffs became a defining trend. In a bid to control costs, restructure operations, and accelerate investments in artificial intelligence (AI), companies worldwide eliminated more than 120,000 jobs during the year.
Economic uncertainty, slowing demand in traditional business segments, and the rapid adoption of AI-led automation forced corporations to rethink workforce strategies. While many firms termed these decisions as “strategic realignments,” the impact on employees was significant. Here’s a detailed look at the 10 companies that led job cuts in 2025, based on publicly reported figures and corporate disclosures.
Intel topped the list with the highest number of layoffs in 2025. The semiconductor giant eliminated around 24,000 jobs globally. The move was part of Intel’s broader effort to stabilise its financial position and fund its transition towards a foundry-focused business model. Facing intense competition and rising capital expenditure, the company opted for aggressive cost rationalisation.
India’s largest IT services firm, Tata Consultancy Services, reduced its workforce by approximately 20,000 employees this year. The company cited a growing skills mismatch and a strategic shift towards AI-driven delivery models as key reasons behind the layoffs. TCS also focused on reskilling initiatives, though job losses remained substantial.
Telecommunications major Verizon cut nearly 15,000 jobs as part of a large-scale restructuring exercise. The company aimed to streamline operations, reduce operational expenses, and improve margins amid intense competition and rising infrastructure costs in the telecom sector.
Amazon continued trimming its corporate workforce in 2025. The e-commerce and cloud computing giant removed around 14,000 management and administrative roles. The layoffs were aimed at flattening organisational layers and improving decision-making efficiency, especially across non-core business segments.
Dell Technologies eliminated close to 12,000 positions during the year. The company intensified its cost management initiatives while shifting focus towards AI-optimised hardware, data centres, and enterprise services. Traditional PC demand remained sluggish, prompting workforce adjustments.
Global consulting firm Accenture reduced its employee count by about 11,000. The move reflected changing client preferences, with demand rapidly shifting from conventional IT services to generative AI-based solutions. The company realigned teams to match evolving project requirements.
Enterprise software giant SAP announced plans to cut nearly 10,000 roles in 2025. The layoffs were part of a strategic reorganisation aimed at strengthening capabilities in cloud computing and business AI. SAP stated that resources would be redeployed towards high-growth digital areas.
Microsoft reduced its workforce by approximately 9,000 employees across divisions including gaming and Azure cloud services. The tech major prioritised heavy investments in AI infrastructure, data centres, and next-generation cloud solutions, leading to selective job reductions.
Japanese conglomerate Toshiba cut nearly 5,000 jobs following its privatisation. The company undertook a major restructuring exercise to improve operational efficiency and refocus on core businesses amid changing market dynamics.
Networking giant Cisco laid off around 4,250 employees in 2025. The company redirected spending towards cybersecurity solutions and AI development, while scaling back on legacy networking operations.
The widespread layoffs in 2025 underline a deeper transformation underway in the global corporate ecosystem. As companies pivot towards automation, AI, and leaner structures, traditional job roles continue to shrink. While these moves may strengthen long-term competitiveness, they also highlight the urgent need for reskilling and workforce adaptability in an increasingly AI-driven economy.
As 2026 approaches, industry experts believe hiring trends will depend heavily on global economic stability and how effectively companies balance innovation with employment growth.
