San Francisco-based design software giant Autodesk Inc. has announced plans to lay off approximately 1,350 employees as part of a significant restructuring effort. The company, best known for its software used in architecture, engineering, and construction, stated that these job cuts—impacting around 9% of its global workforce—are intended to improve operational efficiency and allow for a greater focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing initiatives.
In a memo addressed to employees, Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost assured that the decision was made internally and was not influenced by any external pressures or financial constraints. “This decision was made by myself and the CEO staff and is not the result of any third-party pressure,” Anagnost wrote. He further explained that Autodesk had long recognized the necessity of driving greater efficiency and focus, particularly following the implementation of its New Buying Experience. The restructuring aligns with the company’s long-term vision of streamlining operations, optimizing resources, and enhancing its go-to-market strategy.
Autodesk’s transition to a subscription-based model and its New Buying Experience initiative aim to simplify customer interactions and billing processes. As the company adapts to evolving market demands, these changes are expected to position it for sustainable growth and competitiveness. However, the shift has also necessitated difficult decisions, including the reduction of its workforce.
While the layoffs will involve some facility reductions, Autodesk has clarified that it does not plan to shut down any offices. As of January 2024, the company had a global workforce of approximately 14,100 employees, making it one of the few major tech firms that had largely avoided significant job cuts in recent years.
The broader tech industry, however, has not been as fortunate, with companies across the sector announcing widespread layoffs. According to Layoffs.fyi, a platform that tracks job cuts in the technology sector, at least 13,802 employees across 59 tech companies have been laid off so far in 2025 alone. This figure highlights the ongoing struggles faced by the industry amid economic uncertainty, shifting priorities, and the increasing influence of AI-driven automation.
Among the major firms implementing workforce reductions, Meta has announced plans to cut 5% of its workforce, with layoffs primarily affecting employees who received lower performance ratings. These cuts will impact various teams, including those managing Facebook, Horizon VR, and Logistics. The latest round of layoffs adds to the 21,000 employees who have already been laid off at Meta since 2022. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has defended these moves as necessary to improve efficiency and maintain a leaner, more focused organization.
Similarly, Microsoft has joined the wave of job reductions, confirming that it will implement performance-based job cuts. While the company has not disclosed the exact number of affected employees, the layoffs will reportedly impact several divisions, including Gaming and Sales. These measures align with Microsoft's broader efforts to optimize costs and increase investments in AI-driven products and services.
Google, another tech giant, has also undertaken significant layoffs in 2025, targeting its human resources and cloud divisions. The company’s ongoing cost-cutting measures reflect a strategic shift toward AI and machine learning, as it seeks to strengthen its competitive position in the market. Google’s decision to downsize certain departments comes amid growing competition in the AI space, particularly from companies like OpenAI, which continue to push the boundaries of generative AI technology.
Meanwhile, PC manufacturer HP has announced plans to eliminate between 1,000 and 2,000 jobs, representing less than 4% of its total workforce. HP's decision is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and refocus on emerging areas of technology, including AI-driven computing solutions.
As artificial intelligence and automation continue to reshape the technology landscape, companies are reevaluating their workforce strategies to stay ahead of industry trends. While layoffs may seem like a short-term solution, they are indicative of a larger shift in how businesses are prioritizing investments in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
For Autodesk, the restructuring efforts signal a commitment to innovation and efficiency, albeit at the cost of workforce reductions. As the company moves forward with its AI and cloud-focused initiatives, it remains to be seen how these strategic decisions will impact its market position and long-term growth. In the broader tech industry, the wave of layoffs suggests that companies are making tough choices to remain competitive in an increasingly AI-driven future.
