According to recent reports, layoffs are expected to continue in 2025 with major companies such as Microsoft, BlackRock and Ally Financial planning to reduce their workforce. A Jan. 9 report from Business Insider notes that these companies are focusing on cost-cutting initiatives, largely driven by rapid technological advances, particularly the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Companies like Dropbox, Google and IBM have already announced AI-related job cuts. Here’s a look at the firms to follow in 2025:
Black Rock
BlackRock plans to cut about 200 jobs from its workforce of 21,000, as reported by Bloomberg. The layoffs are part of the company’s strategy to better align its resources with its changing goals. However, BlackRock will make up for these shortfalls with significant hiring, adding 3,750 new employees in 2024 and another 2,000 in 2025.
Bridgewater Associates
Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund, recently laid off 7 percent of its workforce as part of a strategy to streamline operations. Those cuts bring the company’s staffing levels to where they were in 2023. The firm has struggled with employee retention in the past. In 2019, founder Ray Dalio revealed that about 30 percent of new hires left within 18 months.
The Washington Post
The Washington Post plans to cut fewer than 100 jobs as part of its cost-cutting strategy. A spokesperson confirmed that the cuts will not affect the newsroom and are aimed at supporting the company’s turnaround and long-term sustainability. According to Reuters, the goal is to adapt to industry changes and engage audiences on modern platforms.
Microsoft
Microsoft is planning to reduce its workforce by targeting low-performing employees. The company has said it is focused on nurturing high-performing talent, while the exact number of layoffs has not been disclosed. According to Business Insider, a spokesperson emphasized Microsoft’s dedication to employee development and said underperformance would be addressed with appropriate actions.
Allied Finance
Ally Financial has confirmed plans to lay off about 500 employees, or about 4.5 percent of its 11,000-person workforce. The company explained that the layoffs are part of its ongoing efforts to improve staffing while continuing to hire for other key areas of the business. According to the Charlotte Observer, Ally previously went through a similar layoff in October 2023.
According to the latest data from Layoffs.fyi, 545 tech companies laid off 152,074 employees in 2024. In comparison, 1,193 companies laid off 264,220 employees in 2023. This decline in the workforce reflects industrial changes due to technological advances and economic pressures. While they highlight the challenges of automation, they also point to opportunities for growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing job market.