Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, Google among major firms slashing jobs globally
New Delhi: The global tech industry is facing another brutal year in 2025, with over 100,000 jobs cut so far. Big names like Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, Meta, and Google have all announced major layoffs. Economic pressure, AI-driven restructuring, and shifting business priorities are driving this wave of job cuts.
Microsoft is the latest to announce layoffs. The company will cut 9,100 jobs, mainly from its Xbox and gaming divisions. This is nearly 4 per cent of its workforce. Xbox head Phil Spencer said the company is scaling back in some areas to focus on growth.
These cuts follow earlier layoffs at Microsoft this year, which affected over 6,000 employees. Reports say some staff were terminated without severance pay or continued healthcare.
Intel is also undergoing massive changes. Under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, Intel is cutting jobs at its Santa Clara HQ and shutting down its automotive chip unit in Germany. More layoffs, possibly affecting 20 per cent of Intel’s global workforce, are expected later this month. High-ranking engineers and executives are among those at risk.
Tan said the goal is to simplify team structures and increase efficiency, moving away from the idea that bigger teams mean better results.
Amazon is in its fourth round of layoffs this year. It recently cut jobs in its Books division, including the Kindle and Goodreads teams. Less than 100 roles were cut, but the company has also reduced staff in its devices, podcasts, and communications teams.
Amazon reportedly plans to cut 14,000 managerial roles as part of a global cost-saving push.
IBM has let go of around 8,000 employees, mainly in its Human Resources department. The company is replacing roles with AI tools that now handle paperwork, answer employee queries, and process information.
Infosys, too, laid off 240 freshers who failed internal assessments. This follows the termination of over 300 entry-level employees earlier this year.
Google has also trimmed its workforce. It cut hundreds of jobs in its Platforms and Devices division, affecting Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams. Earlier this year, it also made cuts in its Cloud and HR units.
Meta began 2025 by cutting 5 per cent of its workforce—around 3,600 employees. It also laid off staff from its Reality Labs division, which works on VR and wearables. At the same time, Meta is hiring aggressively for AI-related roles.
But it’s not just the tech giants.
Many smaller or specialised firms are also cutting jobs:
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Automattic (WordPress) laid off 16% of staff (~270 people).
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TikTok cut 300 roles in its Dublin office.
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Ola Electric laid off over 1,000 workers.
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HP cut 2,000 jobs under a restructuring plan.
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Salesforce, Blue Origin, Canva, Electronic Arts, Siemens, Match Group, and CrowdStrike have all announced significant job cuts.
Despite the layoffs, many companies are still hiring for AI-related roles. The demand for skills in machine learning, automation, and cloud architecture is rising. This shows a shift in tech hiring priorities.
Why are the layoffs happening?
Rising inflation, high interest rates, weak demand, and the need for cost-cutting are key factors. At the same time, AI is changing the nature of work, reducing the need for certain roles while creating demand for new ones.
The tech industry is restructuring rapidly, and while many are losing jobs, new roles in AI and automation are emerging. But for now, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most difficult years for tech workers worldwide.
