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Large technology companies and other international groups are adjusting their workforces as they allocate more resources to artificial intelligence (AI). Amazon, Meta, Netflix, eBay, Uber and Microsoft are among the companies that have announced layoffs, restructurings or voluntary exit programs in 2026. The trend is also reaching sectors such as banking and retail.
One of the most recent cases is Microsoft, which proposed a new voluntary exit plan for approximately 60,000 employees in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. The offer does not mean the company will lay off 60,000 people; it is a program for which eligible workers may opt in.
The announcements have reignited the debate about the impact of AI on employment.
Which companies have announced job cuts in 2026?
These are some of the main companies that have announced staff reductions or adjustment measures during the year, according to data available as of October 2026.
1. Amazon: 16,000 jobs
Amazon announced in January the elimination of approximately 16,000 jobs globally, primarily in corporate roles. The decision is part of a strategy to simplify operations and control costs, in a context where the company is also boosting its investments in artificial intelligence.
2. Meta: around 8,000 jobs
Meta announced cuts that would affect about 8,000 employees, nearly 10% of its workforce according to cited reports. The company also decided to leave vacant approximately 6,000 positions it had planned to fill, while increasing its focus on AI.
The adjustments come as the company shifts resources toward the development of artificial intelligence and its related products.
3. Microsoft: voluntary exit for about 60,000 employees
Microsoft proposed a new voluntary exit program aimed at eligible workers in the United States, Canada, India and the United Kingdom. The offer covers roles from vice presidencies on down, although there are excluded areas and groups of employees.
The program comes after a previous offer to about 8,750 U.S. employees and cuts that affected about 4,800 positions in July, including workers tied to Xbox.
The company seeks to adjust its costs while allocating large amounts of money to data centers, chips and infrastructure for AI. However, the figure of 60,000 corresponds to employees to whom the exit is offered, not positions whose elimination is confirmed.
4. Netflix: nearly 1,000 jobs
Netflix announced the reduction of approximately 1,000 jobs, equivalent to nearly 6% of its staff. The cuts affect different areas of the company, amidst operational adjustments and changes in its business priorities.
5. eBay: around 1,000 jobs in its most recent cut
eBay announced in October a new round of layoffs affecting approximately 9% of its staff, nearly 1,100 positions according to published estimates. The measure follows a previous round of about 800 jobs earlier in the year.
The company noted that it is seeking to simplify its operations and reallocate resources toward areas of higher growth.
6. Uber: nearly 3,000 jobs
Uber indicated in September that it would reduce about 10% of its workforce, which would mean about 3,000 jobs or more, according to reported data. The measure adds to the adjustments that different companies are making to reorganize their operations and increase efficiency.
7. Block: more than 4,000 jobs
Block, the financial technology company that owns Square and Cash App, announced the elimination of more than 4,000 positions. The cut represents a considerable portion of its staff and has been linked to a reorganization oriented toward an operation more focused on artificial intelligence.
Cuts also reach banking and commerce
The trend is not limited to technology companies. Barclays plans to reduce about 5,000 jobs, while Kroger announced the elimination of about 3,000 corporate positions over a three-year period. Both companies are looking to improve operational efficiency as they advance in their transformation and technology adoption plans.
Other financial groups have also announced adjustments or staff reduction plans associated with automation and AI. The scope and timing vary by company, so not all positions announced as affected are necessarily eliminated at the same time.
Is artificial intelligence the cause of all these layoffs?
No. Although some companies have linked their cost-reduction plans to automation or greater AI adoption, others have pointed to reasons such as internal reorganization, the search for efficiency or the reallocation of investments.
In the case of Microsoft, for example, the company indicated that the jobs affected by its previous voluntary exit program would not be replaced by AI. Its new offer coincides with a strong investment in technological infrastructure, but that does not prove that every position included will disappear due to automation.
[Publicidad]