Mass layoffs in 2025: Microsoft, Meta, and more big names slash jobs — is yours next?

The wave of layoffs is not over. In fact, 2025 is shaping up to be another challenging year for workers in a variety of industries, including technology, retail, and even space exploration. Many of these decisions are based on AI and automation, leaving thousands to wonder if they will be next.

Companies around the world are reducing staff in the name of efficiency, restructuring, or preparing for an AI-powered future.

Companies such as Meta, Boeing, and Chevron are laying off thousands of workers, while CNN and BlackRock are making targeted reductions. The workplace is rapidly changing once again.



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After two years of large-scale job losses in the tech, media, finance, manufacturing, retail, and energy sectors, layoffs and other workforce reductions are happening again in 2025.

Although there are a variety of reasons for staff reductions, cost-cutting initiatives are occurring in tandem with technological advancements. According to a recent World Economic Forum survey, 41% of businesses globally stated that they anticipated laying off employees over the next five years due to the development of artificial intelligence.

AI-related job cuts have previously been announced by companies like CNN, Dropbox, and Block. Meanwhile, the WEF predicts that by 2030, tech jobs in big data, fintech, and AI will have doubled.


Here's a breakdown of some of the biggest names being dropped this year.

1. Adidas – Cutting up to 500 jobs at its German headquarters to simplify operations.
2. Ally – Letting go of around 500 employees (under 5% of staff) to restructure, while continuing to hire in other areas.
3. Automattic – Parent of Tumblr and WordPress is reducing its global staff by 16% due to market competition and the need for efficiency.
4. BlackRock – Trimming around 200 roles (about 1% of workforce) to better align with strategic goals.
5. Block (formerly Square) – Laying off nearly 1,000 workers as part of a streamlining effort, not directly linked to financial issues.
6. Blue Origin – Jeff Bezos’ space company is cutting about 10% of staff to refocus on manufacturing and launch goals.
7. Boeing – Cutting 400 jobs tied to its moon rocket program due to delays in NASA’s Artemis missions.
8. BP – Eliminating a total of 7,700 roles worldwide (including 3,000 contractors) to simplify its structure and cut costs.
9. Bridgewater Associates – The world’s largest hedge fund is letting go of about 90 employees to stay lean.
10. Bumble – Slashing around 240 jobs (30% of its team) as part of a major strategic reset.
11. Burberry – Cutting 1,700 jobs (18% of staff) in a bid to save £100 million by 2027 amid poor financial performance.
12. Chevron – Planning to reduce 15–20% of global workforce by 2026—about 9,000 jobs—to improve efficiency and integrate Hess.
13. CNN – Cutting 200 TV-focused roles as it pivots more toward digital content.
14. Coty – Also undergoing job reductions, though exact figures not specified here.
15. Morgan Stanley – Set to lay off up to 2,400 staff, about 2–3% of its global workforce, to improve operational efficiency.
16. Paramount – Announced a 3.5% workforce cut in the U.S. as part of cost restructuring.
17. Porsche – Plans to eliminate 3,900 jobs gradually over the next few years.
18. Microchip Technology – Letting go of 2,000 employees due to lower demand.
19. Meta (Facebook’s parent) – Cutting around 5% of staff to stay lean and focused.
20. Intel – Reducing at least 15% of its factory workforce, primarily in manufacturing.
21. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) – Planning to cut about 2% of its U.S. staff.
22. Salesforce – Cutting more than 1,000 jobs as part of ongoing streamlining.
23. Starbucks – Laying off 1,100 corporate roles in a reorganization push.

FAQs

Why are companies like Meta and Boeing laying off employees in 2025?
Many businesses are restructuring due to rising costs, shifting priorities, and increased use of artificial intelligence.

Are these layoffs related to AI replacing human roles?
In most cases, yes. According to a World Economic Forum survey, 41% of companies expect artificial intelligence to reduce their workforce.