New York | January 9, 2026
Despite rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, global tech companies continued to reduce workforce levels in 2026, highlighting persistent uncertainty in the sector. While overall layoffs declined compared to 2025, job cuts remain a major concern across the global technology industry.
According to the latest data tech companies worldwide, including firms in India, laid off 122,549 employees across 257 companies in 2025. This marks a 19.86 percent decline compared to 152,922 layoffs by 551 companies in 2025. In comparison, the tech sector saw 264,320 layoffs in 2024 and 165,269 job cuts in 2023, underscoring the prolonged nature of workforce restructuring.
Intel Leads Global Layoffs
US-based chipmaker Intel recorded the highest number of layoffs in 2025. The company cut 27,000 jobs in two phases, laying off 22,000 employees in April and another 5,000 in July, as part of cost restructuring and operational realignment.
Other Major Tech Companies Cutting Jobs
Several global tech giants also announced significant workforce reductions during the year:
Microsoft: 15,000 employees laid off
Amazon: 14,000 global job cuts
HP: 8,000 layoffs in two phases
Salesforce: 4,000 employees let go
Meta: 3,600 job cuts, citing cost optimization
Why Are Layoffs Continuing?
Industry experts point to high attrition rates, economic uncertainty, and rising operational costs as key reasons behind continued layoffs. While companies face a shortage of skilled professionals in emerging technologies, they are simultaneously cutting roles due to global recession fears, tariff disputes, inflationary pressures, and supply chain disruptions.
Cost control has become a priority as companies navigate volatile demand and uncertain revenue growth, leading to workforce rationalization despite investments in AI-driven innovation.
India Also Sees Significant Job Cuts
India was not immune to the global trend. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) led domestic layoffs, cutting over 12,000 employees in 2025, citing restructuring and skill mismatches—a move that also drew criticism.
In addition, 29 other Indian companies laid off approximately 6,995 employees during the year. Major contributors included:
Ola Electric: 1,000 job cuts
Zomato: 600 layoffs
Cars24: 520 employees laid off
Analysts say that while AI adoption is transforming business models, workforce stability in the tech sector remains under pressure, with companies balancing innovation against cost efficiency.
