Last Updated:May 23, 2025, 10:05 IST
The tech sector faces another major wave of layoffs in 2025, with Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and CrowdStrike cutting thousands of roles
Tech layoffs in 2025
Tech Layoffs In 2025: The tech sector is undergoing another significant round of workforce reductions in 2025, with industry giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and CrowdStrike slashing thousands of roles. The wave of layoffs is driven by slowing revenue growth, persistent macroeconomic uncertainty, and the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence on traditional business functions.
Over 61,000 Tech Roles Cut This Year
According to data from Layoffs.fyi, more than 61,000 tech workers have been laid off across over 130 companies so far this year. Microsoft alone accounted for 6,000 of these cuts, marking its largest layoff since 2023. Announced on May 13, the reductions span departments and global regions, with nearly 2,000 roles eliminated in Washington state. Microsoft said the move aims to streamline its management structure and prioritize engineering talent over administrative layers.
Google Quietly Reshaping Its Workforce
Google has been trimming staff steadily throughout 2025, continuing a restructuring process that began with its massive 12,000-person layoff in 2023. In early May, the company let go of around 200 employees from its Global Business Organization, which manages advertising sales and partnerships. This follows earlier job cuts in its Pixel, Android, Chrome, and Cloud units, as the tech giant works to refine its operational model.
Amazon Scales Back Devices and Services Team
Amazon also returned to workforce reductions, cutting 100 jobs in its Devices and Services division — the unit responsible for Alexa, Kindle, and autonomous vehicle startup Zoox. The company said the layoffs are part of an effort to align its resources more closely with evolving product priorities.
CrowdStrike Trims Workforce to Focus on Profitability
Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike joined the layoff trend last week, eliminating 5% of its global workforce. The company described the decision as a strategic step to enhance long-term profitability amid evolving market dynamics.
IBM Uses AI to Restructure Rather Than Downsize
IBM has taken a different approach. While it did lay off several hundred employees — primarily in HR functions — the company redeployed the savings generated by AI automation into hiring talent in programming and sales. CEO Arvind Krishna told The Wall Street Journal that artificial intelligence has replaced work previously done by several hundred staff, but rather than cutting deeper, the company is reinvesting in areas critical to growth. IBM’s move reflects a strategic balance between efficiency gains from AI and continued investment in innovation.
Though the specific strategies vary, a common theme emerges: efficiency and adaptability are taking precedence over expansion. As artificial intelligence transforms internal operations and economic headwinds continue, tech companies are reassessing workforce structures to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. The message is clear — leaner, smarter, and more agile is the new standard in tech.
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