TheInterviewTimes.com | February 21, 2026 | 09:24 PM IST | New Delhi
Tech layoffs 2026 cross 30,000 jobs in six weeks. Amazon cuts 16,000 roles as ASML, Ericsson, Autodesk and others trim staff amid efficiency and AI shifts.
Global technology companies have eliminated more than 30,000 jobs in the first six weeks of 2026, signaling another turbulent year for the sector. According to workforce tracker RationalFX, 30,700 roles were cut by mid-February, with U.S.-based firms accounting for over 80 percent, or 24,600 positions.
At the center of the tech layoffs 2026 wave is Amazon, which alone announced 16,000 corporate job cuts in January. The reductions come just months after the company slashed 14,000 roles in late 2025, marking its second major round of restructuring within a year.
Amazon Drives the Early 2026 Layoff Wave
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy described the decision as part of a broader cultural transformation aimed at eliminating bureaucracy and streamlining decision-making. He emphasized that the layoffs were not purely driven by financial stress or artificial intelligence adoption.
The job reductions span multiple divisions, including Amazon Web Services, retail operations, Prime Video, and human resources. Affected employees were offered internal placement support and transition services.
If the current pace continues, analysts estimate that global tech layoffs in 2026 could exceed 270,000, surpassing last year’s 245,000 total. The scale suggests that cost discipline and operational efficiency remain top priorities for major corporations.
European Tech Giants Join Efficiency Push
The downsizing trend is not limited to American firms. Dutch semiconductor equipment leader ASML announced 1,700 job cuts, representing roughly 4 percent of its workforce, despite reporting strong order growth. The company said the reductions primarily target management layers to enhance engineering productivity.
Swedish telecom equipment giant Ericsson revealed plans to eliminate 1,600 roles in Sweden as part of a cost-cutting strategy. The company stated that core technology investments would continue despite workforce reductions.
Meanwhile, U.S.-based design software firm Autodesk confirmed 1,000 job cuts, or 7 percent of its staff, mainly affecting sales teams. CEO Andrew Anagnost clarified that artificial intelligence was not the main driver behind the decision. Instead, the company aims to reallocate resources toward long-term growth priorities through 2027.
Cybersecurity and AI-Focused Firms Also Impacted
The cybersecurity sector has not been spared. Palo Alto Networks laid off over 500 employees from CyberArk, approximately 10 percent of its 4,000 workforce, just one day after completing a $25 billion acquisition. The move focused on eliminating overlapping sales and administrative roles.
Social media platform Pinterest cut fewer than 15 percent of its workforce, roughly 700 roles, as it pivots resources toward AI-driven product development and revised sales strategies.
In February, Salesforce reduced under 1,000 positions, while semiconductor firm ams osram announced 2,000 job cuts amid restructurings.
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AI’s Role in the Tech Layoffs 2026 Trend
Artificial intelligence continues to influence corporate restructuring, though not always directly. Reports indicate that approximately 28.5 percent of previous tech layoffs were tied to AI-related restructuring, with 1,430 AI-related job losses recorded so far this year.
However, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently criticized companies that attribute unrelated workforce reductions to AI advancements. He argued that in many cases, layoffs stem from broader economic adjustments rather than automation alone.
Industry experts suggest that the tech layoffs 2026 surge reflects a structural shift from rapid pandemic-era expansion to leaner operational models. High interest rates, shareholder pressure for profitability, and strategic AI investment are reshaping workforce strategies across the globe.
For displaced workers, the job market remains challenging. However, professionals with AI engineering, machine learning, and cybersecurity expertise continue to see comparatively stronger hiring prospects.
As the year unfolds, the trajectory of tech layoffs 2026 will likely depend on macroeconomic stability, enterprise AI adoption rates, and corporate earnings performance. For now, the message from boardrooms worldwide is clear: efficiency and focused growth outweigh headcount expansion.
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