IBM Lays Off 8,000 Employees Amid Push for AI-Driven Automation
New Delhi, 28th May 2025: In a major shift towards artificial intelligence and automation, global tech giant IBM has laid off approximately 8,000 employees, primarily from its Human Resources (HR) department. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to modernize its workforce by automating back-office operations.
IBM CEO Arvind Krishna stated that the company is rapidly integrating AI and automation into its internal workflows. “We have made intensive use of AI in many enterprise workflows within IBM. This shift allows us to invest more in critical areas like software development, marketing, and sales,” he said.
According to media reports, IBM replaced around 200 HR roles with AI tools earlier this month. These AI agents are handling repetitive tasks such as responding to employee queries, managing HR data, and processing paperwork. These tools require minimal human intervention and are designed to cut operational costs and boost efficiency.
Chief HR Officer Nicole Lamoreaux emphasized that AI is not meant to entirely replace jobs but to relieve employees of mundane, repetitive tasks. “This enables the workforce to focus on responsibilities that require human judgment, creativity, and decision-making,” she explained.
The company’s restructuring comes at a time when businesses worldwide are turning to AI to streamline operations and optimize resources. Despite the layoffs, IBM insists that its total employment numbers have increased, highlighting that the company is not only reducing jobs but also realigning its workforce to meet future demands.
At IBM’s annual Think Conference held earlier this month, the company unveiled a new AI toolkit that allows other businesses to build their own AI agents. These tools are compatible with platforms like OpenAI, Microsoft, and Amazon, further solidifying IBM’s focus on enterprise AI solutions.
