The State of Tech Jobs in 2025: Layoffs, Automation, and Adaptation

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The tech industry in 2025 is undergoing big changes, marked by a surge in layoffs. Over 62,000 tech employees have been laid off this year alone, according to layoffs.fyi. With companies adapting to advancements in artificial intelligence, economic shifts, and the aftermath of pandemic-era overhiring, we'll list the scope of these layoffs here in this article.

Below you'll find a list with some of the known tech layoffs. We'll dive further in what's causing these layoffs and what you can do to stand out in an already oversaturated field of software engineers looking for a job.

Table Of Contents

The Scope of 2025 Tech Layoffs

As of May 2025, the tech industry has seen over 62,000 layoffs across 137 companies, according to layoffs.fyi. Particularly since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant trend, fueled by overhiring during the boom and subsequent economic uncertainties that came with the pandemic. Several major companies have experienced major cutbacks since then, and this trend has continued into 2025.

Key Factors Driving the Layoffs

The wave of tech layoffs in 2025 is the result of a combination of factors reshaping the industry. From the quick integration of artificial intelligence to macroeconomic pressures and shifting consumer behaviors, several key drivers are influencing companies to think about and reshape their workforce strategies.

AI and Automation

The fast integration of AI into various business processes has led to a surge in efficiency but also in job redundancies. Particularly in roles already susceptible to automation. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that AI could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs within the next five years, potentially pushing unemployment rates to 20%. Companies are increasingly using AI to handle tasks in customer service, data analysis, and content generation, reducing the need for humans in roles like that. This shift is seen in companies like IBM, which has already replaced several HR roles with AI agents to streamline operations.

Economic Factors and Market Saturation

Global economic instability, characterised by high inflation and rising interest rates, has also forced tech companies to implement cost-cutting measures, including layoffs. The post-pandemic slowdown in consumer spending has led to reduced demand for tech products and services, prompting companies to tighten budgets and focus on profitability. Dell Technologies, facing declining hardware sales, laid off 12,000 employees and restructured its operations to focus on AI-driven solutions.

Another factor is overhiring during the pandemic. Tech companies experience a surge in demand, leading to aggressive hiring to meet the increased workload. As the market stabilised, many of these roles became redundant, prompting companies to reassess and reduce their workforce.

Shifts in Consumer Behavior

Changes in consumer preferences have impacted demand for certain tech products and services. For instance, the growing use of AI-driven educational tools has led to decreased engagement with traditional platforms like Chegg, resulting in workforce reductions.

In an effort to remain competitive, tech companies are undergoing strategic restructuring to focus on core competencies and high-growth areas like AI and cloud computing. This realignment often involves downsising or fully eliminating departments that are no longer aligned with the company's long-term vision. Google is an example here, significantly reducing their workforce in hardware and assistant development teams to prioritise investments in AI services.

List of Layoffs in 2025

Chegg

In 2025, education technology company Chegg announced its third major round of layoffs in under a year, cutting 248 jobs—over 20% of its workforce. The company cited falling user engagement and increasing competition from AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews as key reasons behind this decision.

IBM

IBM began eliminating "a couple hundred" human resources roles in 2025 as part of its long-term strategy to automate routine functions with artificial intelligence. The layoffs are part of a broader workforce reshaping initiative focused on efficiency and digital transformation.

Dell Technologies

Dell Technologies laid off approximately 12,000 employees in early 2025. The company is undergoing a strategic pivot toward artificial intelligence, resulting in a large-scale restructuring to align its resources with AI-focused products and services.

CrowdStrike

Cybersecurity company CrowdStrike announced the layoff of 500 employees, which is roughly 5% of its workforce. This move was made to improve operational efficiency and bolster the company’s resilience amid increasing threats driven by AI-powered attacks.

Meta

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, laid off approximately 4,000 employees—about 5% of its global workforce—in 2025. According to Business Insider, these cuts are part of a company-wide effort to streamline operations and redirect funding toward artificial intelligence development.

Google

In 2025, Google conducted several rounds of layoffs. In April, the company cut jobs in its Platforms and Devices division, affecting Android, Pixel, and Chrome teams. In May, it eliminated another 200 roles in its global business unit. These reductions are part of a broader effort to refocus resources on AI initiatives and datacentre infrastructure.

Microsoft

Microsoft confirmed layoffs across multiple divisions in 2025, including within its security group. While the company did not specify the number of affected employees, the move is aligned with its strategy to streamline operations and focus on strategic growth areas like cybersecurity and AI.

Amazon

Amazon continued workforce reductions in 2025 across several departments. Though specific figures were not disclosed, the company emphasised that the layoffs were part of ongoing efforts to optimise operations and invest in priority business areas.

Apple

Apple made targeted layoffs in 2025, cutting around 100 positions, primarily within its digital services group. These selective reductions reflect the company’s strategy to refocus on core business areas and increase efficiency.

Netflix

While Netflix did not announce large-scale layoffs in 2025, it maintained its culture of performance-based employment. The company continues to make smaller, ongoing workforce adjustments through rigorous employee evaluations.

Also read: Mastering the Netflix Software Engineer Interview: Questions, Process, and Expert Tips for Preparation

Salesforce

Salesforce laid off more than 1,000 employees in 2025. These cuts were part of a restructuring plan to align the workforce with current business priorities, particularly as the company shifts toward more AI-driven services.

Stripe

Payments processor Stripe implemented job cuts in 2025 to adapt to shifting market conditions. Although the exact number of affected employees has not been disclosed, the layoffs are part of a broader realignment strategy.

Intel

Intel announced plans in 2025 to lay off 15,000 employees to save $10 billion, following a $1.6 billion loss in Q2 2024. The company is offering early retirement packages and voluntary departure options to reduce operating expenses.

23andMe

In early 2025, 23andMe issued layoff notices to as many as 223 employees, spanning nearly the entire company. The layoffs followed a previous 40% staff reduction in late 2024 and came amid ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, as the firm looks for a buyer to avoid shutdown.

Blue Origin

Blue Origin announced plans to cut 10% of its workforce—approximately 1,400 employees—in 2025. The company is transitioning from research and development toward increasing the frequency of its rocket launches.

Match Group

Match Group confirmed layoffs in 2025 as it adapts its business model and incorporates AI into its dating platforms. The number of layoffs has not been made public.

Panasonic Holdings

Panasonic is one of several tech companies implementing workforce reductions in 2025 to align with broader restructuring trends and the adoption of AI technologies.

AppLovin

AppLovin, a mobile tech company, was included in Crunchbase's 2025 tech layoffs tracker. Specific numbers were not disclosed, but the company cited market changes as the main reason behind the staff cuts.

Bench

Bench, a financial services startup, executed layoffs in 2025. The company is adjusting to shifts in the fintech landscape and realigning resources accordingly.

Expedia

Online travel company Expedia implemented staff reductions in 2025, reflecting adjustments in both the travel and technology industries. Specific layoff numbers were not released.

NetApp

NetApp, a data management company, conducted layoffs in 2025. The reductions are part of a strategic move to increase efficiency amid economic uncertainty.

SambaNova Systems

SambaNova Systems, an AI hardware and software provider, reduced its workforce in 2025. Details on the size of the layoffs were not made public, but they were part of broader cost-control efforts.

Stem

Stem, an energy storage company, was also listed in Crunchbase's 2025 layoffs tracker. The company is restructuring in response to evolving technology needs and market dynamics.

Electronic Arts (EA)

Electronic Arts laid off more than 2,400 employees between 2022 and 2025. In April 2025, EA cancelled its “Black Panther” game and shut down the Cliffhanger Games studio, reflecting a broader realignment to focus on internally owned franchises like "The Sims", "Apex Legends", and "Battlefield".

Ubisoft

Ubisoft executed several rounds of layoffs across multiple studios, including the closure of Ubisoft San Francisco and Osaka, affecting up to 277 employees. In early 2025, Ubisoft also shut down its Leamington studio. These actions follow poor performance of recent game releases and declining player retention.

Unity Technologies

Unity conducted layoffs totalling between 3,165 and 3,365 employees between 2022 and 2025. In February 2025, Unity eliminated entire teams, including the Behaviour division, as part of a major organisational overhaul.

Future Outlook and Adaptation

The wave of tech layoffs has serious effects on employees, leading to financial instability and mental health challenges. Many workers face difficulties in finding new employment, especially as AI continues to evolve and reshape job requirements. The shift towards freelance and gig economy roles is becoming more prevalent, as traditional employment opportunities diminish.

Despite the challenges, the tech industry continues to offer opportunities in emerging fields. Roles in AI development, cybersecurity, and data analysis are in high demand. Companies are seeking professionals with skills in AI tools and adaptability to navigate the changing landscape.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are tech companies laying off employees in 2025?

Tech companies are implementing layoffs due to AI integration, economic factors, and previous overhiring.

Which tech companies have had the most layoffs in 2025?

Companies like Chegg, IBM, Dell Technologies, and CrowdStrike have announced significant layoffs.

How is AI contributing to these layoffs?

AI automates tasks previously performed by humans, leading to role redundancies and workforce reductions.

What industries within tech are most affected?

Sectors like edtech, cybersecurity, and traditional IT services are experiencing significant impacts.

What can displaced tech workers do?

Displaced workers should focus on upskilling in emerging areas, consider freelance work, or transition to different industries. They should also consider using Leetcode Wizard to ace their next interview.

Conclusion

The tech industry's landscape in 2025 is marked by significant layoffs driven by AI advancements, economic shifts, and changing consumer behaviors. While these changes present challenges, they also open doors to new opportunities in emerging tech fields. Adaptability, continuous learning, and using resources like Leetcode Wizard can empower professionals to navigate and thrive in this evolving environment.

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