In 2025, the global IT industry
faced one of its most significant shifts in the past decade — and not in a positive sense. Thousands of tech professionals lost their jobs across leading companies worldwide. The numbers are alarming, but even more important is understanding why this happened — because the reasons are not just temporary. They’re structural. They're deep.
Let’s break it down.
📌 The Core Reason: AI and Automation Are Changing the Game
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation have now matured far beyond theoretical hype. These systems don’t just support humans anymore — in many roles, they’re replacing them.
Tasks that previously required a team of skilled professionals are now being handled by smart software that is:
- Faster
- Cheaper
- Practically error-free
This has directly impacted job security for thousands in roles like:
- Data entry
- Manual testing
- HR screening
- Basic reporting and documentation
🧠 What is AI, Really?
At its core, AI is about teaching computers to think like humans. It’s not just about running code anymore — it's about learning from data and making decisions.
For instance, if an HR team used to manually screen hundreds of resumes, AI can now do the same — and perhaps better — in seconds, with little to no bias or fatigue.
🚨 Why Have So Many Lost Their Jobs?
Let’s look at the main reasons behind the mass layoffs in 2025:
1. AI & Machine Learning Took Over Manual Jobs
Software can now perform many repetitive tasks that once needed human involvement.
2. Automation Shrunk Team Sizes
What once required a team of 10 people can now be handled by 3–4 professionals plus an AI tool.
3. Cost-Cutting Measures
Wherever companies could reduce payroll and replace human effort with automation, they did. Machines don’t take leaves, bonuses, or sick days.
4. Pressure to Adopt AI to Stay Competitive
Companies that resisted automation started falling behind — so most of them adapted quickly, leading to massive role redundancies.
💼 The Layoff Numbers – Shocking but Real
Here’s how some major IT companies downsized:
- TCS – 12,000 layoffs (planned)
- Microsoft – 9,100 layoffs; game and non-core departments shut down
- Meta – 3,600 employees let go for performance-related reasons
- Intel – Over 24,000 roles cut, especially in factory and production
- IBM – 8,000 HR roles made redundant by AI tools
- Salesforce, Workday, Autodesk – Thousands laid off in phased reductions
📉 In total, around 76,000 IT professionals lost their jobs globally in 2025.
🔮 What’s Next for the IT Industry?
This is just the beginning. Experts believe further layoffs are possible, especially in roles where automation is easily applicable.
But this doesn't mean all hope is lost.
✊ The Way Forward: Adapt, Don’t Panic
If there's one lesson here, it's this: future-proof your career.
Focus on:
- Creative and strategic skills
- AI management and development
- Emotional intelligence and human-first problem-solving
- Cross-domain expertise (tech + business)
These are areas where AI still cannot match human ability — and likely won’t for a while.
💬 Your Thoughts?
Have you been affected by this wave of change?
Are you learning new skills to stay relevant?
What do you think the future of IT jobs looks like?
Why 2025 Witnessed a Wave of Layoffs in Global IT – The Harsh Reality of AI and Automation