In 2025, the tech industry is witnessing another significant wave of layoffs as major players like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and CrowdStrike cut thousands of jobs amid challenging economic conditions and the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI). Companies are restructuring to improve efficiency, reduce operational layers, and redirect resources toward AI and engineering. According to Layoffs.fyi, over 61,220 tech workers have already been laid off across 130 companies this year.
Microsoft and Google Resume Major Layoffs Amid Ongoing Restructuring Efforts
Microsoft’s layoff is among the most notable. On 13 May, the company announced plans to eliminate 6,000 positions—its largest job cut since 2023—impacting about 3% of its 228,000 employees. The layoffs affected all levels and locations, including nearly 2,000 jobs in Washington state. Microsoft stated the move was not performance-based but part of an internal restructuring to boost the engineer-to-manager ratio. Earlier in January, the company had also trimmed roles in its gaming and sales departments.
Google also resumed job cuts in early May, eliminating around 200 positions from its global business unit, which handles partnerships and sales. This restructuring aims to enhance customer service and team collaboration. These reductions follow earlier cuts this year, including jobs in its Platforms & Devices division (Android, Pixel, Chrome) and the cloud unit. Google’s parent company Alphabet previously laid off 12,000 employees—6% of its global workforce—in January 2023.
Amazon and CrowdStrike Join 2025 Tech Layoff Wave in Push for Streamlined Operations
Amazon joined the layoff trend by cutting about 100 jobs from its Devices and Services division, which manages Alexa, Kindle, Echo, and Zoox. The company cited the need to better align with its product roadmap and streamline operations, continuing an earlier effort to eliminate unnecessary organizational layers.
Cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike also announced layoffs, cutting 5% of its workforce as part of a strategic effort to focus on long-term profitability and performance. While the company didn’t reveal the exact number of affected roles, it emphasized the cuts were part of a broader realignment strategy. Overall, 2025 continues to be a turbulent year for tech employees, with firms recalibrating for a leaner, AI-driven future.
Summary: In 2025, tech giants like Microsoft, Google, Amazon, and CrowdStrike have laid off over 61,000 workers amid economic uncertainty and AI-driven shifts. Companies are restructuring to improve efficiency, reduce management layers, and refocus resources. The trend highlights a turbulent year as the industry adapts to a leaner, tech-centric future.
