The tech industry continues to experience widespread layoffs in 2025, with over 22,000 job cuts reported so far this year—16,084 in February alone—bringing the total number of layoffs since the beginning of 2024 to more than 150,000 across 549 companies, according to independent tracker Layoffs.fyi. The wave of reductions reflects ongoing cost-cutting, strategic shifts toward AI and automation, and economic uncertainty across sectors. Notable layoffs in early 2025 include Microsoft cutting 9,000 employees—less than 4% of its global workforce—following earlier reductions in January, May, and June. The company cited a need to streamline operations and focus on AI-driven growth. Google has also seen multiple rounds of cuts, including over 100 design roles in its cloud division and hundreds in its platforms and devices team. Meta reduced its workforce by 5%, targeting low performers, while also cutting over 100 employees in Reality Labs. In the enterprise and software space, Salesforce is eliminating more than 1,000 jobs despite aggressive hiring for AI products. Workday laid off 1,750 employees, about 8.5% of its workforce, and Adobe reduced its headcount by 1,350, or 9%, as part of a GTM restructuring. Atlassian cut 150 customer support roles after automation reduced demand. AI and automation are driving structural changes across industries. Scale AI laid off around 200 employees and severed ties with 500 contractors shortly after Meta’s $14.3 billion investment. xAI cut about 500 data annotation roles, shifting focus to specialist AI talent. GupShup, a conversational AI company, has now laid off nearly 300 employees in two rounds since late 2024. Startups and emerging companies are also feeling the pressure. Northvolt laid off 2,800 employees—62% of its workforce—after filing for bankruptcy. Beam, a British climate startup, shut down after expanding plans, letting go of 200 staff. Zonar Systems reportedly cut staff, though it hasn’t confirmed the numbers. Ola Electric plans to cut over 1,000 employees in a second round of cost reductions within five months. Other major players include Amazon, which is reportedly cutting 100 employees in its devices and services division, and HP, which will eliminate up to 2,000 jobs under its “Future Now” restructuring. Intel, facing a downturn in demand, announced layoffs of over 21,000 workers in April—about 20% of its workforce—and plans to cut 15% to 20% more in its Intel Foundry division. GM is laying off 200 workers at its EV manufacturing facilities in Detroit and Hamtramck. In the consumer and media space, TikTok is cutting up to 300 roles in Dublin, accounting for roughly 10% of its Irish workforce. Wondery, acquired by Amazon in 2020, is cutting 100 jobs and ending its audio-only podcast division. Just Eat is eliminating around 450 jobs globally as it increases automation in customer service and sales. Meanwhile, companies like Zepz are closing operations in Poland and Kenya, cutting nearly 200 employees. Turo is reducing its workforce by 150 after deciding not to proceed with its IPO. HerMD, a virtual women’s healthcare provider, shut down after pivoting from brick-and-mortar operations. Despite the cuts, some companies are still hiring. Stripe is laying off 300 people but plans to grow its total headcount by 17%. Microsoft and Salesforce are actively recruiting for AI roles, even as they reduce non-core teams. The trend underscores a broader industry shift: while AI and automation promise long-term efficiency, they are also accelerating workforce transformation. As companies restructure to stay competitive, the human cost remains significant—highlighting the delicate balance between innovation and sustainability in the tech sector.