Key takeaways
- More than 206,000 technology workers have been affected by layoffs worldwide in 2026
- Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Oracle are among the companies reducing their workforces
- Automation, cost-cutting and shifting business priorities are driving layoffs
More than 206,000 technology workers have been affected by layoffs worldwide in 2026. This happened as some of the industry's biggest companies cut jobs while increasing investments in artificial intelligence.
According to TrueUp's tech layoffs tracker, 206,817 workers have been affected in 712 reported layoff events as of Nov. 13. That amounts to approximately 652 workers per day, compared with an average of 579 in 2025.
(Source: TrueUp)
The latest figures put 2026 within striking distance of last year's total of approximately 211,000 layoffs.
Amazon, Meta and Microsoft Among Biggest Tech Job Cutters
Some of the technology industry's most recognizable companies have announced big workforce reductions this year.
Amazon announced plans to eliminate approximately 16,000 corporate positions in January, while Microsoft revealed plans to cut 4,800 jobs in July. This included major reductions in its gaming division.
Meta also implemented sweeping layoffs in May, which affected approximately 10% of its global workforce. This happened as the Facebook parent restructured operations around AI-driven workflows.
Meanwhile, Oracle reported that its workforce declined by roughly 21,000 employees during its 2026 fiscal year, although that figure represents a year-over-year headcount reduction rather than exclusively confirmed layoffs.
Financial technology company Block announced plans to eliminate more than 4,000 positions in February. CEO Jack Dorsey identified artificial intelligence as a central factor behind the restructuring.
AI Investment Reshapes the Technology Workforce
The layoffs come as technology companies are prioritizing artificial intelligence development, infrastructure spending and operational efficiency. Several businesses have acknowledged that AI tools are changing staffing requirements, allowing smaller teams to perform tasks that were previously handled by larger workforces.
However, AI is not responsible for every reduction. Traditional restructuring, cost-cutting measures, business performance and changing corporate priorities have also contributed to the layoffs.
Tech Layoffs Could Approach 238,000 by Year-End
TrueUp estimates that approximately 238,000 technology workers could be affected by layoffs by the end of 2026 if the current pace continues. That would push the annual total above 2025 levels, although it would still be considerably below the approximately 430,000 layoffs that were recorded in 2023.
Other industry trackers report lower figures because their methodologies and coverage differ. TrueUp's figures also include announced reductions that may not yet have been completed.
