Autodesk Lays Off 1,350 Employees in Strategic Shift to AI
San Francisco – Autodesk, a major technology company headquartered in San Francisco, announced on Thursday a reduction of its global workforce by 9%, impacting approximately 1,350 employees. The software company, known for its AutoCAD platform, stated that the layoffs are part of a larger restructuring initiative. This plan aims to boost efficiency and concentrate on key growth areas, including artificial intelligence and platform development.
In a message to employees, Autodesk President and CEO Andrew Anagnost expressed regret regarding the layoffs but emphasized the necessity of the decision for the company’s future success.
“This decision was made after careful consideration, and I sincerely regret the impact on those who may be affected,” Anagnost said. “You have my assurance that Autodesk will do everything possible to support impacted employees and treat them with care throughout this process.”
The restructuring is also intended to reshape Autodesk’s go-to-market strategy. As the company shifts towards a subscription-based model, including more self-service options, the goal is to enhance customer satisfaction and improve overall productivity. According to Anagnost, Autodesk intends to increase its investments in AI, cloud technology, and industry-specific solutions to maintain its competitive edge.
Autodesk has pledged to provide support to the affected employees, which includes severance packages, career counseling, and job placement assistance.
“You will always be a part of Autodesk’s story, and I am grateful for everything you have done,” Anagnost said. The layoffs reflect a broader trend in the tech sector, with companies such as Salesforce and Workday also implementing workforce reductions to reallocate resources towards high-growth areas such as AI.
