The global technology sector saw massive layoffs in the first quarter of 2025, with more than 100,000 employees losing their jobs as companies accelerate their shift toward automation and artificial intelligence (AI).
According to data from Layoffs.fyi, a platform that tracks tech layoffs, a total of 106,721 workers were let go in January, February, and March. Major tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, HP, Canva, and Northvolt initiated large-scale workforce reductions as part of restructuring, cost-cutting, and automation efforts.
Layoffs in 2025 Continue at Full Speed
While 2024 saw over 150,000 layoffs across 549 companies, the trend has continued in 2025, with over 22,000 job losses recorded in just the first few months. In February alone, 16,084 tech professionals were laid off.
The layoffs are not just numbers—they reflect a shift in the future of innovation in the industry. As companies invest more heavily in AI and automation, the role of human labor is being redefined.
Biggest Layoffs Hit in March and April
According to TechCrunch, March 2025 saw the highest number of layoffs, with over 88,000 people losing their jobs. January had 2,403 job cuts, and February had 16,234.
In April, a new wave of layoffs hit major companies such as Google, Microsoft, Automattic, and Canva:
- Google: As reported by The Information, the company laid off hundreds across its Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams.
- Microsoft: According to Business Insider, more layoffs are expected by May, particularly targeting non-coding staff to increase the ratio of programmers.
- Automattic: The WordPress developer let go of more than 270 employees, roughly 16% of its 1,744-person workforce.
- Canva: Nine months after encouraging the use of generative AI tools, Canva laid off 10 to 12 technical writers. The company had 5,500 employees in 2024.
March 2025: Major Workforce Reductions from Northvolt to Block
- Northvolt: The Swedish battery manufacturer laid off 2,800 employees—62% of its workforce—following a bankruptcy filing.
- Block: The fintech company led by Jack Dorsey let go of 931 employees in an 8% workforce reduction.
- Brightcove: After a change in ownership, 198 employees (two-thirds of its US staff) were laid off.
- Siemens: Announced plans to lay off 5,600 workers globally in its automation and EV charging units.
Other major layoffs in March came from HelloFresh, Otorio, ActiveFence, D-ID, Zonar Systems, Wayfair, HPE, TikTok, LiveRamp, Ola Electric, and more.
February 2025: Industry Giants Announce Major Cuts
- HP: Plans to lay off 2,000 employees under its “Future Now” restructuring plan.
- GrubHub: Laid off 500 employees after its acquisition by Wonder Group.
- Google: Initiated additional cuts in its People Operations and Cloud divisions.
- Starbucks: Let go of 1,100 workers from its technology department.
Other companies making cuts included Redfin, Sophos, Zepz, JustWorks, Sprinklr, Sonos, Workday, Okta, Cruise, and Salesforce.
January 2025: Early Signs from Amazon, Stripe, and Meta
- Amazon: Laid off dozens of employees from its communications team.
- Stripe: Cut 300 jobs while announcing plans to increase its overall workforce.
- Meta: Announced it would reduce its staff by 5%. The company had over 72,000 employees.
Other January layoffs came from Wayfair, Pandion, Symbol, Altruist, Aqua Security, SolarEdge, Level, and many others.
As AI and automation gain momentum, the technology sector continues to redefine its workforce structure, placing an increasing emphasis on efficiency, innovation, and cost management—at the expense of tens of thousands of jobs worldwide.
Source: CNBC-e/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök