The wave of technology layoffs continues to ripple dramatically through 2025, underscoring a growing shift in the industry landscape as businesses increasingly rely on artificial intelligence and automation. In 2024 alone, the tech sector witnessed nearly 150,000 layoffs spanning 549 companies, reflecting continued uncertainty and restructuring within the technology ecosystem. The beginning of 2025 indicated no respite, with over 22,000 layoffs recorded across technology companies, including more than 16,000 job cuts in February alone.
In the opening months of 2025, corporations both large and small have reduced their workforce significantly. Google announced hundreds of layoffs across its Platforms and Devices group, encompassing Android, Pixel phones, and Chrome, signaling its ongoing strategic repositioning. Microsoft, similarly, is currently discussing further potential reductions aimed at middle management and non-technical roles, in an effort to reshape its organizational structure toward a greater proportion of developers and engineers.
WordPress parent company Automattic has laid off approximately 16% of its workforce, affecting around 270 employees, indicative of mounting pressures even among tech stalwarts. Canva, valued at an impressive $26 billion after a recent secondary market valuation, has quietly cut a dozen technical writing positions, aligning with its aggressive push toward integrating generative AI technology into its operations.
The trend accelerated in March. Northvolt, the Swedish battery manufacturer, eliminated 2,800 jobs, amounting to an astonishing 62% of its total workforce, shortly after filing for bankruptcy protection amid funding difficulties. Similarly, fintech giant Block conducted a restructuring that let go of 931 employees—around 8% of its team. CEO Jack Dorsey emphasized the reorganization was driven not by economic pressures, but by strategic realignment.
Brightcove, a prominent Boston-based streaming technology firm, cut nearly 200 positions—about two-thirds of its U.S.-based workforce—shortly following its $233 million acquisition by Italian app developer Bending Spoons. Acxiom, a unit of IPG, scaled back its headcount by 130 people in the wake of an anticipated merger between IPG and Omnicom Group.
Even venture capital institutions weren’t immune. Sequoia Capital announced plans to close its Washington D.C. office, eliminating a small policy-focused team. Siemens took aggressive steps, announcing a worldwide reduction of 5,600 positions within its automation and EV charging units.
In the same grim context, meal-kit company HelloFresh shuttered one Texas distribution facility, cutting 273 jobs, while cybersecurity firm Otorio laid off nearly half its team after being acquired by rival Armis. Startup ActiveFence reduced its workforce by 7%, concentrating the layoffs primarily within its Israeli operations amid internal efficiency measures.
In further examples from corporate and governmental agencies, cybersecurity startup D-ID trimmed approximately a quarter of its team despite a strategic partnership with Microsoft. NASA announced five office closures following policy shifts by administration leaders. GPS platform Zonar Systems has reportedly dismissed a number of workers without public acknowledgment.
Wayfair significantly downsized its tech division by 340 positions, citing extensive restructuring to respond to shifting market demands. Hewlett Packard Enterprise also saw steep cuts, announcing layoffs for 2,500 positions globally, in reaction to declining market performance.
More recently in April, a wave continued with notable reductions at major brands. Google continued restructuring through further layoffs in its Android and Pixel-related divisions, whereas Microsoft continued internal debate over another potential round. These layoffs highlight continued corporate recalibration amid fluctuating market conditions and technology adoption.
From January to April, sectors from autonomous transportation (Cruise) and design software (Autodesk) to space exploration (Blue Origin) and e-commerce (Expedia) faced similar fates, collectively releasing thousands of employees from their positions. Companies are emphasizing restructuring, strategic shifts toward automation, financial efficiency, and cost reduction.
Across industries and geographies, layoffs are persistent—from startups, often shuttering entirely, to corporate giants streamlining heavily. As AI-driven technologies are increasingly integrated into business processes, these staff reductions reveal a stark reminder of the delicate balance between technological progress and its human costs.
