Layoffs across the technology sector have continued at a rapid pace in the first quarter of 2026. Most of these companies have largely attributed these job cuts to heavy investments in AI infrastructure, efficiency drives, and operational restructuring. Based on data from Layoffs.fyi, at least 72,182 tech employees have been laid off across 87 companies so far this year.
Compared to the data available for 2026, the pace of layoffs in 2026 is slightly lower but remains significant, with many companies citing AI-related cost optimisation, reallocation of resources to data centres, and post-pandemic efficiency gains as key reasons. While some firms are simultaneously hiring in AI-critical roles, the overall effect has been a contraction in overall headcount across software, hardware, fintech, and telecom segments.
Top 10 tech firms with the largest layoffs in 2026
While multiple tech firms have decided on layoffs, we have ranked the top 10 companies based on total layoffs announced or executed by April 2026:
Oracle
Laid off: 30,000 employees
The largest single layoff wave of the year represented roughly 18% of Oracle’s global workforce. The cuts, announced in late March, are tied to aggressive AI data centre investments and resource reallocation.
Amazon
Laid off: 16,000 corporate roles
Announced second major round in under six months (following 14,000+ in late 2025). Amazon’s focus areas include streamlining bureaucracy and shifting resources toward AI and cloud infrastructure.
Block (formerly Square)
Laid off: 4,000 employees (40% of workforce)
Fintech giant under Jack Dorsey cited AI efficiencies as a major factor, stating that smaller teams can now handle significantly greater workloads.
WiseTech Global
Laid off: 2,000 employees (30% of workforce)
Logistics software provider trimming staff as part of a broad efficiency drive.
ASML
Laid off: 1,700 employees
Dutch chip equipment giant adjusting amid fluctuating demand in advanced AI chip manufacturing.
Atlassian
Laid off: 1,600 employees (10% of workforce)
Collaboration software leader cited AI productivity gains as a key reason for the March cuts.
Ericsson
Laid off: 1,600 employees
Telecom infrastructure firm continuing its cost-optimisation efforts.
Meta
Laid off: 1,500 employees (2% of workforce)
Part of ongoing efficiency measures to redirect spending toward massive AI initiatives.
Autodesk
Laid off: 1,000 employees
A design and engineering software company is reducing headcount in early 2026.
Epic Games
Laid off: 1,000 employees
The iconic gaming company is executing cuts amid industry shifts.
2026 tech layoffs: AI dominates as the core reason
– Multiple CEOs have explicitly linked layoffs to AI adoption, stating that generative AI tools now allow fewer people to achieve more. At the same time, many of these companies are hiring aggressively in AI engineering, machine learning, and data centre roles.
Other notable cuts include Dell, GoPro, and Snap. The hardest-hit sectors are software/SaaS, fintech, hardware/semiconductors, and consumer tech. The United States accounts for the majority of the layoffs, though Europe and Australia have also seen significant job cuts.