Outlook Business Desk
Globally, over 130 tech companies have announced layoffs affecting more than 61,000 employees in 2025 so far, according to data from Layoffs.fyi. This comes as the sector faces financial challenges and invests heavily in AI.
Microsoft has topped the layoff leaderboard with 6,000 job cuts, its largest round since 2023. Announced on May 13, the layoffs affected multiple departments worldwide, including nearly 2,000 roles in Washington state.
Google has continued its job cuts in 2025, building on the massive layoffs of 2023. In early May, about 200 employees were let go from the tech giant's Global Business Organisation, which oversees advertising sales and partnerships.
Google has reportedly offered voluntary exit programmes in some US divisions to streamline operations and reduce headcount. This year, the Alphabet-owned company has also cut jobs in the Pixel, Android, Chrome, and Cloud divisions.
Amazon has cut 100 jobs in its Devices and Services division, which includes Alexa, Kindle and Zoox. The company said the layoffs help focus resources on changing product priorities.
IBM, one of the oldest tech giants, has also cut jobs as part of its cost-cutting and restructuring efforts. This reflects a broader trend of tech firms adjusting to slower growth and focusing more on automation and AI.
Cybersecurity company CrowdStrike has laid off 5% of its workforce last week, aiming to streamline operations and boost long-term profitability.
The recent layoffs in the tech industry are driven by multiple factors, including rising inflation, higher interest rates and an increasing focus on AI and automation.