Job Cuts in 2025: Why Tech, Media, and Retail Are Slashing Thousands of Roles

The year 2025 has turned into one of the most turbulent periods for the global workforce. From tech giants to retail leaders, many industries are announcing job cuts as they adapt to automation, artificial intelligence (AI), restructuring, and shifting market conditions. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), nearly 41% of companies expect to reduce workers within the next five years due to AI adoption.

This trend is not limited to one industry. Tech, media, finance, energy, retail, and manufacturing companies are all undergoing massive changes. At the same time, WEF predicts that jobs in AI, fintech, and big data will double by 2030, pointing to both disruption and opportunity ahead.

Major Companies Announcing Layoffs in 2025

Several well-known corporations have already confirmed thousands of job cuts this year. Here are some of the biggest names making workforce adjustments:

• Microsoft – Around 15,000 cuts in 2025 across multiple rounds, including performance-based layoffs without severance.
• Meta – Cutting 5% of its workforce, following previous reductions of more than 21,000 since 2022.
• UPS – Announced 20,000 job cuts and automation upgrades across 400 facilities.
• Disney – Several hundred layoffs worldwide in addition to earlier restructuring.
• Chevron – Reducing up to 9,000 jobs after acquiring Hess.
• Nissan – Planning 20,000 job cuts by 2027, including factory closures.
• Starbucks – Cutting 1,100 corporate jobs, though baristas remain unaffected.
• Adidas – Eliminating 500 positions at its German headquarters to simplify operations.
• Blue Origin – Cutting 10% of staff to streamline rocket development projects.
• Intel – More than 5,000 cuts in its Foundry division.

Other companies including Burberry, CrowdStrike, Oracle, Bumble, Grubhub, Estée Lauder, Panasonic, and Workday have all joined the growing list of employers reducing headcount.

Why Companies Are Cutting Jobs in 2025

The reasons behind these widespread layoffs vary, but several recurring themes stand out:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Automation

AI is reshaping the workforce faster than expected. Companies like Oracle, Microsoft, and Salesforce have admitted that automation is replacing certain tasks. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy also warned staff in June 2025 that AI will inevitably reduce some jobs in the future.

2. Cost-Cutting and Efficiency

Many businesses are restructuring to save costs. Firms like BP, Coty, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have laid off thousands of workers to achieve billions in savings.

3. Shifts in Industry Demand

Media companies such as CNN, Bloomberg, and the Washington Post are pivoting from traditional broadcasting and print to digital-first strategies, leading to staff reductions in traditional roles.

4. Mergers and Acquisitions

Consolidation is another driver. Chevron’s layoffs are tied to the Hess acquisition, while Kroger’s job cuts followed its failed Albertsons merger.

5. Financial Pressures and Declining Sales

Consumer-facing businesses like Kohl’s, Peloton, and Burberry cited falling revenues as reasons for restructuring and cutting jobs.

Opportunities Emerging Despite Job Cuts

Although the headlines paint a grim picture, there is another side to the story. The World Economic Forum projects that roles in big data, AI, and fintech will grow rapidly, potentially offsetting some of the losses.

For example:

• BlackRock is cutting 200 jobs but adding 2,000 new roles in 2025.
• Salesforce is laying off some workers but hiring aggressively for AI-driven sales roles.
• Workday announced 1,750 layoffs but simultaneously emphasized hiring in AI-focused areas.

This signals that while some traditional jobs are disappearing, new technology-focused roles are emerging quickly.

What This Means for Workers

For employees, the message is clear: adaptability is crucial. Workers will need to upskill and reskill in areas such as AI, data science, cybersecurity, and fintech to stay relevant. Soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and leadership remain equally important as industries evolve.

Companies, meanwhile, must balance cost reductions with investments in innovation. The organizations that successfully navigate this shift are likely to be those that support their workforce in adapting to new roles rather than only reducing headcount.