Tech layoffs in 2024: Over 98,000 employees at Apple, Google, Microsoft and more than 330 tech companies have lost jobs

The tech industry is undergoing a wave of job cuts as over 98,000 employees have been laid off from more than 330 companies worldwide in the first 6 months of 2024. Layoffs.fyi, a platform that tracks tech layoffs, reports that 98,834 employees have been let go so far. Major companies like Apple, Google, Microsoft and Meta are among the 333 companies that have had job cuts.

This trend reflects economic challenges as well as a boom in AI technology. While tech giants like Meta, Twitter and Cisco significantly reduced their workforces in 2023, the list of companies cutting jobs continues to grow, suggesting the employment crisis may persist in 2024.

Restructuring at tech giants like Google, Microsoft

Earlier this month, Microsoft reportedly laid off more than 1,000 employees across different businesses, including Azure cloud division and mixed reality unit. It was reported that "most of the job cuts are within the company's Strategic Missions and Technologies org, which aims to sell Microsoft's cloud software and server rentals for businesses with highly specified needs such as telecom firms and space companies."

Microsoft eliminated 1,900 jobs, primarily from its gaming division post-Activision Blizzard acquisition. The company has also seen multiple executive-level people leave as it undergoes restructuring.

Layoffs at Amazon spanned various units, including Audible (5%), Prime Video, Twitch (35% or roughly 500 employees), and Buy with Prime teams.

Meanwhile, Facebook-parent Meta recently laid off a small portion of its workforce as a part of restructuring Reality Lab that is responsible for the company’s AR/ VR headsets, software and other metaverse projects.