Here’s a look at the companies that have announced layoffs in 2026 and the reasons behind the job cuts.
Workforce reductions have continued across industries in 2026 as companies adapt to artificial intelligence, changing business priorities, and economic uncertainty. From technology giants and financial institutions to retailers and consumer brands, businesses are reshaping their organizations in an effort to improve efficiency and prepare for the next phase of growth.
Nearly 40 companies have announced layoffs so far this year, while more than 100 additional businesses have filed Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices in the United States, signaling further job cuts in the months ahead.
Although cost reduction remains a common objective, artificial intelligence has emerged as one of the biggest drivers behind many of this year’s workforce changes.
AI Is Reshaping Hiring Decisions
Several companies have openly acknowledged that advances in artificial intelligence are changing the way they operate.
A recent World Economic Forum survey found that 41% of employers expect to reduce parts of their workforce over the next five years because of AI. At the same time, demand for skills in artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, and fintech is expected to grow significantly before the end of the decade.
Rather than simply reducing costs, many companies say they are reallocating resources toward AI infrastructure, automation, and new technical capabilities.
Amazon Continues Workforce Restructuring
Amazon announced plans in January to eliminate approximately 16,000 corporate positions worldwide as part of an ongoing effort to reduce management layers and simplify decision-making.
The move followed another round of layoffs in late 2025, when the company cut roughly 14,000 roles.
More recently, Amazon also reduced headcount within its Selling Partner Services division as it continued restructuring individual business units.
Meta Keeps Tightening Operations
Meta has continued workforce restructuring in 2026 as part of its broader focus on artificial intelligence and operational efficiency.
The company has redirected thousands of engineers toward AI development while continuing to simplify organizational structures across multiple business divisions. Meta executives have repeatedly stated that AI has become one of the company’s highest strategic priorities.
AI Drives Layoffs Across Technology Companies
Several technology companies have directly linked job reductions to AI adoption.
Atlassian announced plans to cut around 1,600 employees, roughly 10% of its workforce, while increasing investments in AI-powered software development.
Cloudflare said it would reduce about 20% of its global workforce after internal AI usage increased dramatically, prompting the company to redesign internal processes and team structures.
Coinbase also announced layoffs affecting approximately 14% of employees. CEO Brian Armstrong said artificial intelligence now enables engineers to complete work much faster, allowing the company to operate with smaller and more focused teams.
Crypto.com similarly reduced its workforce by 12%, saying companies that combine top talent with AI tools will have a significant competitive advantage.
Traditional Industries Also Join the Trend
Layoffs have not been limited to technology companies.
British American Tobacco announced plans to eliminate around 9,000 jobs as it modernizes operations and expands its smoke-free product portfolio.
Citigroup continues implementing its multi-year plan to reduce roughly 20,000 positions globally while simplifying its organizational structure.
Dell reported a 10% decline in its workforce for the third consecutive year, reflecting a combination of layoffs and natural attrition.
General Motors has also reduced jobs within its global IT division as it shifts hiring toward employees with expertise in AI, cloud computing, analytics, and data engineering.
Retail and Consumer Companies Cut Costs
Retailers and consumer-facing businesses are also reshaping their organizations.
eBay plans to eliminate around 800 jobs globally as it aligns operations with long-term strategic priorities.
Groupon announced plans to reduce up to 400 positions worldwide while transforming itself into what it describes as an “AI-native company.” The company said part of the savings will be reinvested into AI infrastructure and talent.
Angi eliminated approximately 350 positions earlier this year, citing AI-driven productivity improvements alongside broader cost-cutting efforts.
Estée Lauder expanded its restructuring program, with total planned workforce reductions expected to reach as many as 10,000 positions, primarily across retail operations.
Other Companies Announcing Layoffs
Several additional companies have also announced workforce reductions during 2026, including:
- Epic Games, which is reducing around 20% of its workforce as Fortnite engagement slows.
- Expedia, which has simplified organizational layers while opening new roles aligned with future priorities.
- GoPro, which is cutting nearly one-quarter of its workforce as part of an ongoing restructuring plan.
Many of these organizations say they are balancing workforce reductions with hiring in emerging technology roles.
The Nature of Work Continues to Change
The latest wave of layoffs reflects a broader shift rather than a temporary downturn.
Companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence, automation, cloud infrastructure, and data capabilities while reducing roles that can be streamlined or redesigned through technology.
Although workforce reductions have affected thousands of employees across multiple sectors, demand continues to grow for professionals with expertise in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, software engineering, cloud computing, and advanced analytics.
As businesses continue adapting to rapid technological change, workforce transformation is expected to remain one of the defining corporate trends of 2026.
Oracle’s workforce shrank by roughly 21,000 employees, or 13%, over the past year. Bloomberg/Getty Images
Source: BI
