IBM is set to embark on a fresh round of layoffs in the fourth quarter of 2025. The proportion of employees affected is projected to be a small single-digit percentage of its total global workforce. As of the close of 2024, IBM boasted a global employee base of around 270,000 individuals. Given a minimum layoff ratio of 1%, at least 2,700 employees will find themselves out of work. Nevertheless, IBM expects its overall headcount in the United States to remain more or less unchanged compared to the same period in the previous year. This suggests that while the company is cutting certain positions, it might simultaneously be recruiting talent in other areas.

IBM has been delving into the transformation of human resources management through the use of AI. Presently, AI systems have taken over tasks that were previously handled by approximately 200 employees in the human resources department. It's worth noting that IBM made the announcement about these layoffs despite its robust business performance. The company's third-quarter financial report revealed that both its profits and revenues surpassed market expectations. This current round of layoffs is viewed as a component of IBM's continuous endeavors to streamline its corporate structure and zero in on its core business strategy.