Major Layoffs in February and March 2025: Companies Affected and Industry Impact
An in-depth look at the biggest corporate layoffs in early 2025, including Chevron, Meta, Workday, Microsoft, Boeing, Infosys, and more. Discover the reasons behind these job cuts and their potential economic impact.
Updated : 1 week ago
Major Corporate Layoffs in February and March 2025
The beginning of 2025 has seen massive layoffs across multiple industries, including tech, automotive, retail, and finance. Several corporations have announced significant job cuts, impacting thousands of employees globally. These layoffs are driven by various factors such as cost-cutting measures, restructuring efforts, declining revenues, and strategic shifts toward AI and automation.
February 2025 Layoffs: Major Companies Announcing Job Cuts
| Company | Details |
|---|---|
| Chevron | Plans to cut up to 20% of global workforce, with layoffs beginning this year and mostly complete by end of 2026. |
| Meta | Initiated layoffs affecting 5% of workforce, focusing on performance management and hiring machine learning engineers. |
| Workday | Confirmed layoffs of nearly 2,000 employees, about 8.5% of workforce, for cost-cutting. |
| Microsoft | Job cuts focusing on underperformers, no layoffs in India but affecting other regions. |
| Boeing | Planned to cut 400 jobs at its SLS moon rocket program due to NASA's Artemis project adjustments. |
| Infosys | Laid off around 400 trainees in Mysuru after they failed evaluation tests. |
| Walmart | Announced plans to cut jobs and relocate some employees to main hubs. |
| JPMorgan Chase | Managers started notifying employees of job cuts, with specific cuts scheduled for February, March, among other months. |
| Goodyear | Announced layoffs of 850 employees at its Danville facility. |
| Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) | Began layoffs as part of a global cost-cutting effort, focusing on the United States due to low crop prices. |
March 2025 Layoffs: Industry-Wide Job Reductions Continue
| Company | Details |
|---|---|
| Starbucks | Planning layoffs for March, specifics not provided. |
| General Motors (GM) | Scheduled to lay off 1,695 workers at its Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas due to production pauses. |
| Ford | Intends to cut 4,000 jobs, primarily in Germany and Britain, to reduce costs by the end of 2027. |
| a href="/microsoft-layoff-2025-impact-departments-severance-why">Microsoft | Continued its layoff policy with a stricter approach, no severance or extended benefits for some. |
| Canadian Companies | Various firms like Meta, CDW, Microsoft, Benevity, Onsemi, Sumo Group announced or in process of layoffs, specifics for March not detailed. |
Economic and Workforce Impact of These Layoffs
The widespread layoffs across multiple industries in early 2025 signal a significant shift in corporate strategies. Many companies are prioritizing automation, AI integration, and cost-cutting measures to remain competitive. For employees, this presents challenges in job security but also opportunities in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Experts advise affected workers to upskill and explore roles in industries witnessing growth despite economic uncertainty.
FAQs about Layoffs in 2025
1. Why are so many companies laying off employees in 2025?
Many companies are cutting costs, restructuring, and adapting to AI-driven workflows.
2. Which industries are most affected by layoffs in 2025?
Tech, retail, banking, and automotive industries are facing the most layoffs.
3. How many employees did Chevron lay off?
Chevron is cutting up to 20% of its workforce by the end of 2026.
4. Why did Microsoft lay off employees?
Microsoft focused its layoffs on underperforming employees and cost optimization.
5. What should employees do if they are laid off?
Upskilling, networking, and exploring job opportunities in growing industries are recommended.
6. Will more layoffs happen in the coming months?
Experts predict more layoffs as companies continue adjusting their workforce strategies.
7. Are there any government programs to assist laid-off workers?
Some countries offer unemployment benefits and retraining programs.
8. Which company had the biggest layoffs in early 2025?
Chevron and Ford announced some of the largest workforce reductions.
