The US tech industry is facing unprecedented turmoil, with more than 53,000 job losses recorded in the first five months of 2025 alone. This dramatic figure has been driven by major tech giants such as Microsoft, Meta, CrowdStrike, and Block, all of which have significantly reduced their workforce citing various reasons including AI-driven restructuring and cost-cutting measures.
Microsoft’s Latest Layoffs Spark Controversy
Microsoft, despite reporting robust sales and profits, recently announced plans to lay off nearly 6,000 employees, constituting around 3% of its global workforce. This move marks one of the company’s largest layoffs since early 2023, and the timing has drawn sharp criticism online, particularly towards CEO Satya Nadella. Many on tech forums and social media have accused Nadella of fostering a “layoff culture” within the company.
A viral post on the anonymous workplace platform TeamBlind claimed, “Satya in his 10 years of tenure at Microsoft has laid off 50,000 people. He started with the worst layoffs of 18K people in 2014. He did it again in 2018, 2023, 2024, and now 2025. Till he is in Microsoft, this cycle will continue.” This statement sparked a heated online debate, with some users calling for a return to Steve Ballmer’s leadership era, while others defended Nadella, pointing to the company’s surging stock price.
Industry-Wide Job Cuts
Microsoft is not alone in this industry-wide trend. Intel is reportedly planning to slash up to 20% of its workforce, just months after cutting 15,000 jobs. Although the company has denied the exact numbers, stating that layoffs would be staggered throughout the year. Swedish battery maker Northvolt laid off half its workforce (2,800 employees) in March, shortly after filing for bankruptcy. Meta, under Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership, has already laid off 4,000 employees since the start of 2025.
Conclusion
The tech industry’s current state reflects a broader trend of restructuring and cost-cutting. While companies like Microsoft continue to report strong financials, the human impact of these layoffs cannot be understated. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how these changes will shape the future of tech employment.
