IBM has reportedly laid off around 8,000 employees, with the majority of these cuts coming from the Human Resources division. This move follows IBM’s recent implementation of AI tools designed to handle tasks previously managed by HR personnel, resulting in the elimination of approximately 200 jobs. The development is part of a larger trend in the tech industry, where companies are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence for various functions, leading to the phasing out of certain roles.
In a recent interview, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna revealed that the company has been rapidly embracing AI and automation to enhance efficiency. Despite these technological advancements, Krishna noted that IBM’s total workforce has grown, as savings from automation are being reinvested into areas such as marketing, software engineering, and sales operations. IBM is also advancing its AI offerings to customers, having unveiled a suite of new solutions at its annual Think conference. These tools are designed to help enterprises develop and operate their own AI-driven agents, integrating seamlessly with leading platforms from OpenAI, Amazon, and Microsoft.
The tech industry has seen significant layoffs in 2025, with over 61,220 tech workers affected across 130 different companies, according to Layoffs.fyi. Other major tech giants have also announced substantial workforce reductions. Microsoft recently cut 6,000 jobs, representing about 3% of its global workforce of 228,000 employees. Google has also initiated another wave of layoffs, following earlier staff reductions and voluntary exits in its cloud division. Amazon has laid off around 100 employees from its Devices and Services unit, which oversees products like Alexa and Echo smart speakers.
These developments highlight the ongoing restructuring in the tech industry as companies adapt to changing market conditions and technological advancements. While automation and AI are leading to job cuts in certain areas, they are also creating new opportunities in fields like AI development, marketing, and sales operations.
