IBM Plans to Cut Thousands of Jobs This Quarter Amid Strategic Shift

IBM Announces Job Cuts in Early 2025

Global technology giant IBM has confirmed plans to eliminate thousands of jobs in the current quarter, marking another significant workforce adjustment in the tech sector.

According to LinkedIn News editor James Callan, the company spokesperson stated that the cuts would affect a “low single-digit percentage” of IBM’s global workforce.

With approximately 270,000 employees worldwide at the end of 2024, even a 1% reduction could mean nearly 2,700 jobs impacted, according to CNBC.

Tech Industry Layoffs: A Broader Context

The IBM job cuts come shortly after Amazon’s announcement to eliminate 14,000 corporate positions earlier this month.

Many industry leaders, including Intel, UPS, Meta, and Salesforce, have also made similar workforce adjustments over the past year, reflecting the accelerating role of artificial intelligence and automation in reshaping job structures globally.

AI and Workforce Transformation

While these layoffs highlight short-term challenges, they also underscore a longer-term shift: Companies are investing heavily in AI and software automation to enhance productivity and operational speed - often doing more with fewer people.

This shift creates new opportunities in :

• AI development & data science
• Software engineering & automation services
• Cloud-based system management
• Cybersecurity & IT consulting

At the same time, it requires retraining and reskilling for professionals affected by these organizational changes.

DeltaReco Insight

At DeltaReco, we believe the current wave of layoffs is part of a global restructuring phase that will redefine the future of work.

As technology evolves, HR leaders and recruiters must focus on adaptability - identifying emerging roles, investing in digital skills, and aligning hiring strategies with future-ready industries.

Final Thoughts

IBM’s announcement reinforces the reality that AI is transforming not just products — but entire organizations.

For professionals in tech and HR, this is the time to focus on upskilling, reskilling, and strategic workforce planning to stay relevant in an AI-first economy.

Source:

LinkedIn News – IBM plans to cut thousands of jobs this quarter

Originally reported by James Callan, Editor at LinkedIn News.