IBM Job Cuts: Report Claims Number in Thousands Per Estimates
IBM is reportedly planning to lay off approximately 9,000 employees across multiple locations in the United States as part of a corporate restructuring initiative. The affected positions are expected to be relocated to India, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Cloud Classic Division and Other Departments Impacted
The layoffs will impact various departments, including:
Consulting
Corporate social responsibility
Cloud infrastructure
Sales
Internal IT systems
Notably, the Cloud Classic division, a business built on IBM's 2013 acquisition of SoftLayer, is undergoing formal restructuring, with about 25% of its workforce affected.
Locations Affected by IBM Layoffs
Employees in locations such as Raleigh, North Carolina; New York City and State; Dallas, Texas; and California have been notified of the layoffs. While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, sources indicate that it is in the thousands.
IBM's New Return-to-Office Policies
In addition to the layoffs, IBM is implementing new return-to-office policies, requiring in-person attendance at least three days a week by the end of April. Management is reportedly monitoring badge swipes and discouraging medical exemptions.
Financial Challenges and Performance Report
These workforce reductions come amid financial challenges for IBM. In the October-December 2024 period, the company's revenue:
Increased by 1% to $17.6 billion
Software revenue grew by 10%
Consulting revenue declined by 2%
Infrastructure revenue fell by 8%
IBM has not officially commented on the layoffs. However, in January 2025, CFO James Kavanaugh stated,
"We expect workforce rebalancing fairly consistent with prior years."
Industry-Wide Layoffs: A Growing Trend This development reflects a broader trend of major tech companies announcing significant layoffs in recent months. Companies like HP, Meta, and Amazon have also restructured and reduced their workforce as part of cost-cutting measures.
Will this trend continue, or will the tech industry find new ways to stabilize? Share your thoughts in the comments!