Jobs are being cut at a high rate. what consequences can there be for Armenian specialists

In the first seven months of 2025, more than 22,000 people have already been laid off from technology companies.

Over 22,000 Tech Layoffs in the First Seven Months of 2025

According to Layoffs.fyi, more than 22,000 employees have already been laid off in tech companies in 2025. February stood out with the highest number—16,234 layoffs. The reasons vary, ranging from the integration of artificial intelligence to restructuring and profitability improvement plans.

Major Layoffs: Intel, Microsoft, Google

Intel announced massive layoffs in several phases during 2025. In April, the company said it would cut 21,000 jobs (around 20% of its total workforce), and in July, it announced another 2,400 layoffs in Oregon. Intel is also reducing 15–20% of its Foundry division and exiting the automotive business.

Microsoft laid off over 9,000 employees throughout the year. After small layoffs in January, 6,500 workers were laid off in May, followed by additional cuts across various departments in July. The company is restructuring its internal organization, focusing on AI projects.

Google also made several rounds of layoffs. In February, HR and Cloud teams were affected; in April, employees from Android, Pixel, Chrome, and Google TV divisions were let go. Overall, hundreds of workers were laid off.

AI and Automation: Cause and Effect

Many companies are laying off workers to make their business models more efficient and to implement AI technologies.

Indeed and Glassdoor eliminated about 1,300 jobs to focus on AI development.

Canva laid off 10–12 technical writers, encouraging the team to rely more on generative AI.

AI-powered startups like Clue and Klu also downsized staff to improve cost efficiency.

Startups and Mid-Size Companies Affected Too

Many startups and mid-sized companies laid off staff due to financial issues, restructuring, or lack of investment.

Companies such as Brightcove, Acxiom, General Fusion, CrowdStrike, JustWorks, Aurora Solar, Placer.ai, Chegg, Deep Instinct, Eigen Labs, Bird, Sonos, Wayfair, Ola Electric, and Sprinklr carried out layoffs ranging from moderate to large, affecting hundreds of employees.

Firms in real estate, gaming, and supply sectors also came under pressure.

Redfin (partnered with Zillow), Playtika, Zopper, Turo, Cars24, Rec Room, Gupshup, VendEase all implemented significant cuts or shut down operations.

Companies such as Skybox Security, HermMD, Level, Pandion, LogicFence, Otario, and others were either fully shut down or sold, laying off all or most of their employees.

Job Losses Extend Beyond the U.S.

Layoffs have also hit Europe and Asia:

TikTok laid off 300 employees in Ireland

Wicresoft — 2,000 layoffs in China

Bytedance — 65 employees cut in Washington

Companies like TomTom, Forto, Northvolt, Expedia, HelloFresh, Zepz, Five9, Sifted, Sequoia Capital also implemented notable layoffs in Europe.

Most Affected Teams

Tech design, sales, and marketing teams

Manufacturing and engineering departments

Human resources, legal, and support roles

What This Could Mean for Armenia

1. Potential Decrease in Remote Job Opportunities

Many tech giants also collaborate with remote professionals from Armenia—developers, designers, marketers. If global layoffs continue, Armenia might feel the indirect impact through fewer job offers and project opportunities.

2. Transformation of the Labor Market

The rapid adoption of AI—one of the main drivers of layoffs—could affect Armenia’s tech and education sectors. Skills that were in high demand even two years ago may now lose relevance if replaced by AI tools.

Armenia’s tech and education sectors need to adapt quickly by focusing on AI, machine learning, data science, and innovative solutions.

3. New Opportunities for AI-Focused Startups

Despite layoffs, the AI boom is creating new opportunities. Armenian startups focused on AI solutions could become more attractive to investors—if they position themselves correctly in the market.

4. Need for Digital Transformation of Local Businesses

Local businesses must also prepare for the future by adopting automation and AI solutions. This creates a demand for new specialists but may also reduce the need for certain roles.

What This Means for the Industry’s Future

Although the wave of layoffs signals a transformation in the tech economy, most companies continue investing in AI and automation. These processes are reshaping the labor market—creating new professions and opportunities while putting traditional roles at risk.

Source: TechCrunch


*The article was also prepared using data from AI․