The surge of layoffs that has shaken the tech industry shows no signs of slowing in 2025, as companies continue cutting thousands of jobs amid ongoing economic pressures and strategic shifts toward automation and artificial intelligence.
After a tumultuous 2024 during which over 150,000 roles across 549 tech companies were eliminated, this year has already seen more than 22,000 employees lose their jobs. February alone accounted for an astonishing 16,084 of those layoffs.
Recent announcements reveal widespread job reductions across varied sectors. CrowdStrike confirmed in May it will reduce its global workforce by 5%, roughly 500 employees, as part of efforts to streamline operations to reach its $10 billion Annual Recurring Revenue goal. Expedia announced cuts affecting around 3% of its staff, primarily in product and tech teams. Similarly, Meta is eliminating more than 100 positions in its Reality Labs division, which focuses on virtual reality and wearable devices. Intel has taken one of the most significant decisions this year, planning layoffs affecting over 21,000 workers—approximately 20% of its total employees—as the company undergoes major changes under its new CEO, Lip-Bu Tan.
Companies like GM cited the slowdown in electric vehicle sales as a reason for letting go of about 200 employees at its Factory Zero EV production facility in Michigan. Google trimmed hundreds of roles in its devices and platforms unit, which includes product teams working on Android and Pixel phones. Microsoft, meanwhile, is reported to be considering another round of layoffs targeting mid-level managers and operational personnel, aiming to boost its developer-to-manager ratio.
In March, notable layoffs included Northvolt laying off over 62% of its workforce, totaling about 2,800 people, following its recent bankruptcy filing. Block cut 931 jobs, around 8% of its headcount, citing deep reorganization efforts rather than cost concerns. Siemens announced about 5,600 layoffs worldwide to strengthen its competitive stance in automation and electric vehicle infrastructure. Wayfair reduced its technology division by 340 roles as part of operational restructuring efforts.
February featured headlines with layoffs from HP, Autodesk, and Starbucks, among others. In particular, HP announced it would cut around 2,000 roles as a cost-saving initiative called “Future Now,” aimed at saving $300 million annually. Autodesk eliminated 1,350 positions, or 9% of its workforce, in an extensive reorganization. Starbucks reduced 1,100 roles, outsourcing much of its technological operations to third-party providers.
The beginning of 2025 saw significant staff reductions at Amazon, Stripe, and Meta. Amazon scaled back its communications department, citing the need for quicker decision-making and enhanced teamwork interactions. Stripe reportedly laid off 300 people even as the fintech giant noted intentions to expand overall headcount. Meta aimed to shed 5% of its global workforce, specifically citing low performance as the primary factor.
Startups and high-growth companies have also been hit hard. Gupshup, a conversational AI firm, laid off roughly 200 employees aiming for profitability, marking its second significant round of cuts in just five months. European logistics startup Forto pared back approximately one-third of its workforce, affecting around 200 jobs. Automattic, the creator of WordPress, cut 16% of its global workforce—more than 270 employees—while Canva laid off several technical writer positions as the company increasingly adopts artificial intelligence solutions.
These layoffs underscore a larger trend impacting every segment of the technology landscape, highlighting the complex human cost of evolving business strategies and technological advancements. As artificial intelligence and automation reshape traditional workflows, large corporations and startups alike continue navigating challenges in their pursuit of profitability and strategic market positioning amidst uncertain economic conditions.
