The year 2025 has turned out to be one of the most turbulent years for the global technology sector. In a sweeping wave of job cuts, major corporations collectively laid off over 1.2 lakh employees across continents. From semiconductor giants to IT service providers, cloud operators to telecom companies — no segment remained untouched. Analysts believe this is not a cyclical downturn but a structural transformation redefining the future of the tech workforce.
Intel leads the layoff wave — 24,000 jobs axed
Chipmaking major Intel Corporation executed the largest workforce reduction of the year, eliminating nearly 24,000 positions. The company said the move was necessary to ensure financial stability and transition to a foundry-based business model. Intel’s focus is now shifting towards partnership-driven chip manufacturing, relying more on automation and less on manual operations to expand output and improve efficiency.
TCS trims 20,000 roles — AI delivery model reshapes workforce
India’s largest IT services firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), reduced its headcount by approximately 20,000 employees. The company attributed this to the adoption of an AI-driven delivery model, which led to significant skill mismatches. With generative AI tools and automated systems now integral to client projects, traditional roles in coding, testing, and support have been phased out or consolidated.
Amazon, Verizon, and Dell focus on cost restructuring
E-commerce and cloud leader Amazon laid off nearly 14,000 corporate and administrative employees, describing it as a step toward simplifying its organisational structure and optimising costs.
Telecom operator Verizon eliminated 15,000 positions to streamline operations and redirect resources toward 5G infrastructure and digital services.
Meanwhile, Dell Technologies cut around 12,000 jobs, citing a pivot towards AI-optimised hardware and enterprise solutions — areas that require smaller but more specialised teams.
Accenture, SAP, and Microsoft join the transition
Consulting powerhouse Accenture laid off around 11,000 employees, noting that client demand is increasingly shifting toward generative AI initiatives.
Software leader SAP announced plans to cut 10,000 positions as it reallocates resources to cloud computing and AI-powered business solutions.
Similarly, Microsoft reduced its workforce by nearly 9,000, affecting its gaming and Azure divisions, as it deepens long-term investments in AI infrastructure and next-generation platforms.
Toshiba and Cisco restructure post-privatisation
Japanese conglomerate Toshiba let go of about 5,000 employees as part of its post-privatisation restructuring exercise.
Networking firm Cisco Systems also cut 4,250 jobs, diverting expenditure toward cybersecurity and AI development, signalling a clear strategic shift in focus.
AI era forces redefinition of human capital
Industry experts view 2025’s layoffs as the beginning of a new phase in global tech evolution. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and automation have moved from being tools of innovation to becoming the foundation of efficiency.
“AI has become the new engine of every tech enterprise,” one analyst noted. “Where a hundred engineers once worked, today 20 and a single algorithm can achieve the same output.”
The road ahead
Market observers predict that the AI-driven workforce transition will accelerate further in the coming years. Professionals failing to upgrade their technical skills may face mounting challenges. However, new opportunities are also emerging in AI development, data infrastructure, and cloud services — sectors that reward adaptability and digital fluency.
Conclusion
The mass layoffs of 2025 underscore a fundamental truth — the age of “job permanence” in technology is over. Companies across the globe are reducing human dependency and embracing an AI-centric future. While this transformation enhances productivity and innovation, it is also setting a new benchmark for survival in the ever-evolving digital economy.
Source – https://the420.in/biggest-tech-layoffs-2025-intel-tcs-amazon-ai-driven-job-cuts/