More Than 100,000 Tech Employees Lost Their Jobs in the First Half of 2025
Reports show that layoffs in the technology sector have surpassed 100,000 jobs during the first half of this year. According to The Bridge Chronicle, which compiled a list of major layoff announcements from tech companies so far, the total number is higher than many expected. Many had believed the wave of mass layoffs had ended in 2024.
So far, Intel appears to be leading the way in job cuts this year. The U.S. chipmaker recently announced plans to lay off 24,000 employees, with more expected soon. By the end of 2025, the company is projected to have cut around 75,000 jobs from its global workforce.
Artificial intelligence is also one of the main factors behind Microsoft’s major staff reductions. The Redmond-based company has laid off about 15,000 employees so far, affecting divisions such as cloud, gaming, and devices. In a recently leaked internal memo, CEO Satya Nadella attempted to justify the “painful” layoffs using complex corporate language. Rumors suggest that Nadella is deeply fascinated by generative AI and is said to use Copilot for both personal and professional tasks.
Other major tech firms including Meta, Google, Amazon, and Cisco have also laid off thousands of employees or are in the process of doing so. Many of these cuts are tied to budget reallocations toward developing stronger AI models and capitalizing on the current excitement around AI agents.
However, massive investment in AI is not the only factor driving the current round of layoffs. Many technology companies went on aggressive hiring sprees during the pandemic years, expecting long-term growth in remote work and tech demand. Now, those inflated workforces are being scaled back.
Rising geopolitical tensions and continued uncertainty surrounding Trump’s tariffs are also weighing on future revenue expectations, prompting further cost-cutting measures.
