IBM to cut 8,100 jobs

IBM’s latest job cuts mark a decisive turn in the company’s evolution, signaling a shift from traditional operations to an AI- and cloud-driven future. Thousands of employees worldwide face uncertainty as roles tied to legacy systems disappear, while new positions emerge in cutting-edge technology.

In early November 2025, IBM announced plans to cut a “low single-digit percentage” of its 270,000-strong workforce, affecting thousands of positions globally. While U.S. employment remains largely stable, the majority of reductions will occur in Europe and Asia. The restructuring emphasizes AI, hybrid cloud, and software services, echoing a broader trend among Big Tech companies adapting to the AI era.

The layoffs primarily target employees without AI or cloud expertise. Mid-career professionals with four to twelve years of experience face heightened risk, recalling past HR memos referencing “dinobabies”—senior staff encouraged to leave. Back-office roles in HR, finance, procurement, and legacy infrastructure, along with consulting and marketing positions not tied to AI, are being phased out.

While some employees face cuts, IBM is actively hiring for AI and cloud roles, particularly in India and select U.S. hubs. Job postings in India have surged, reflecting a strategy to shift international work to lower-cost regions. U.S. hiring now concentrates on strategic areas such as WatsonX development and hybrid cloud architecture.

This global workforce realignment mirrors moves by peers. Amazon recently announced up to 30,000 corporate layoffs, and Meta cut around 600 positions from its Superintelligence Labs division. Meanwhile, workers across the tech sector report mental health strains due to layoff uncertainty, with 77% citing worsened well-being tied to job anxiety.