New York – As 2025 unfolds, the wave of layoffs sweeping the global tech industry shows little sign of slowing down. Major players like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and TikTok are among the companies making deep cuts to their workforces, citing reasons ranging from cost optimization to restructuring for a sharper focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and core engineering.
According to updated figures from layoff tracking platform Trueup, the tech sector has already witnessed 234 rounds of layoffs this year, affecting approximately 45,656 employees—an average of 439 job losses per day. Although this is a slight drop from 2024’s figures, which saw 1,115 layoffs impacting 238,461 people (an average of 653 per day), the ongoing downsizing trend remains a serious concern for tech professionals globally.
Google: Three Waves of Layoffs in Four Months
Google has already initiated three separate waves of layoffs in 2025, impacting multiple units. The most recent cuts have come from its Platforms & Devices unit, which includes flagship products like Android, Pixel, and the Chrome browser. Several hundred positions have been eliminated as part of a broader strategic realignment.
Earlier in the year, Google rolled out a “voluntary exit” programme for U.S.-based employees in the same division. This move followed Google’s decision in 2024 to merge the Android and Pixel teams, consolidating efforts and resources.
In February, additional layoffs were carried out within Google’s cloud division. A company spokesperson addressed the cuts, stating that they were necessary “to continue to invest in areas that are critical to our business and ensure our long-term success”.
Microsoft: More Restructuring Expected in May
Microsoft is reportedly preparing for another round of layoffs as early as May, targeting middle management roles as part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and boost technical agility.
One key strategy involves increasing the ratio of engineers to non-technical staff. For instance, within Microsoft’s security division under Charlie Bell, the engineer-to-project manager ratio is being adjusted from 5.5:1 to 10:1.
Additionally, employees with consistently low performance ratings may be among those affected. These measures are seen as part of Microsoft’s push to make its teams more engineering-focused and performance-driven.
Meta: 3,600 Jobs Cut Amid Performance Concerns
In February, Meta—the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—announced layoffs affecting nearly 3,600 employees, accounting for around 5% of its global workforce.
The job cuts were reportedly linked to performance metrics, aligning with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s ongoing strategy to create a “leaner, more efficient” organization. However, the move sparked backlash shortly after it was revealed that top Meta executives were granted substantial bonuses, raising concerns about inequality within the company.
TikTok: 300 Roles at Risk in Dublin
Social media giant TikTok is also joining the layoff trend, with approximately 300 jobs in its Dublin office expected to be cut. While the company has yet to confirm final figures, reports suggest the layoffs could begin as early as April, sparking anxiety among its European workforce.
The news comes amid a broader tightening across the tech industry, especially within companies attempting to balance regional operations with long-term cost efficiencies.
Despite record investments in AI and other emerging technologies, tech giants continue to recalibrate their talent strategies in 2025, prioritizing leaner structures, high performance, and engineering-driven teams. As layoffs persist, industry observers note that this trend may reshape the nature of employment in Silicon Valley and beyond for years to come.
