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The list of major companies laying off staff this year, including Porsche, Wayfair, Starbucks, and Meta

The list of major companies laying off staff this year, including Porsche, Wayfair, Starbucks, and Meta

  • 14.03.2025 18:30
  • businessinsider.com
  • Keywords: layoffs

Major companies worldwide are laying off staff due to cost-cutting measures and technological changes, particularly driven by AI. Companies like Porsche, Starbucks, and Meta are among those implementing job cuts, reflecting broader trends across industries aiming to streamline operations and reduce expenses.

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Estimated market influence

HPE

HPE

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Buy

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is cutting 2,500 jobs, or 5% of its workforce, to reduce costs.

Meta

Meta

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

Meta is laying off 5% of its workforce as part of CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision to raise the bar on performance management and remove low-performing employees.

Context

Business Insights and Market Implications Analysis

Overview of Layoffs in 2025

  • Layoff Trends: Companies across industries (tech, finance, retail, energy) are cutting staff to reduce costs and adapt to technological changes.
  • AI Impact: 41% of global companies expect workforce reduction due to AI adoption over the next five years.

Company-Specific Layoffs

Adidas

  • Layoff Details: Plans to cut up to 500 jobs (8.6% of headquarters staff) despite strong financial performance.
  • Reason: Restructuring and efficiency improvements.

Ally Financial

  • Layoff Details: Cutting ~500 employees (4.5% of workforce).
  • Support: Offering severance, outplacement services, and rehiring opportunities.

BlackRock

  • Layoff Details: Reducing 200 jobs (1% of workforce) amid hiring elsewhere.
  • Strategy: Balancing workforce adjustments with growth in other areas.

Blue Origin

  • Layoff Details: Laying off ~10% of employees (~1,000 jobs).
  • Focus: Scaling manufacturing and launch operations efficiently.

Boeing

  • Layoff Details: Cutting 400 roles from the moon rocket program.
  • Reason: Delays and rising costs in NASA's Artemis missions.

BP

  • Layoff Details: Slashing 7,700 staff and contractor positions (5% of workforce).
  • Strategy: Simplifying operations for long-term focus.

Bridgewater

  • Layoff Details: Reducing ~90 jobs to return headcount to 2023 levels.
  • Focus: Restructuring as part of a global hedge fund.

Chevron

  • Layoff Details: Cutting 15-20% of global workforce (up to 9,000 jobs).
  • Reason: Cost optimization and strategic focus.

CNN

  • Layoff Details: Reducing ~200 roles (6% of workforce).
  • Strategy: Shifting focus to digital platforms for future growth.

Estée Lauder

  • Layoff Details: Cutting 5,800-7,000 jobs over two years.
  • Benefits: Expected annual savings of $0.8-$1.0 billion before tax.

HPE

  • Layoff Details: Reducing 2,500 employees (5% workforce).
  • Strategy: Cost-cutting to improve profitability.

Johns Hopkins University

  • Layoff Details: Cutting over 2,000 jobs due to $800 million funding loss.
  • Impact: Affects critical international work.

Kohl's

  • Layoff Details: Reducing ~10% of corporate roles (less than 200 employees).
  • Focus: Long-term profitability and efficiency.

Meta

  • Layoff Details: Cutting 5% workforce (~6,700 jobs).
  • Strategy: Performance-based restructuring across Facebook, VR, and logistics.

Microchip Technology

  • Layoff Details: Reducing ~2,000 employees.
  • Costs: $30-$40 million in severance and restructuring expenses.

Microsoft

  • Layoff Details: Unspecified performance-based cuts in January.
  • Focus: Restructuring divisions like gaming and sales.

Porsche

  • Layoff Details: Cutting 3,900 jobs over several years (2,000 via contractor expirations).
  • Strategy: Reducing fixed-term roles and limiting hiring.

Salesforce

  • Layoff Details: Reducing ~1,000 jobs from a workforce of ~73,000.
  • Focus: Streamlining operations for AI-driven growth.

Sonos

  • Layoff Details: Cutting ~200 employees to simplify organization.
  • Reason: Overcommitment to projects and leadership changes.

Southwest Airlines

  • Layoff Details: Reducing 15% corporate staff (~1,750 jobs).
  • Benefits: $210 million savings in 2025 and $300 million in 2026.

Starbucks

  • Layoff Details: Laying off 1,100 corporate employees.
  • Focus: Efficiency, accountability, and integration.

Stripe

  • Layoff Details: Cutting ~300 tech employees.
  • Strategy: Focusing on growth to 10,000 employees by year-end.

The Washington Post

  • Layoff Details: Reducing less than 100 non-newsroom employees (4% of workforce).
  • Focus: Cost-cutting without affecting journalism.

Wayfair

  • Layoff Details: Eliminating Austin Technology Development Center and cutting ~340 tech workers.
  • Strategy: Streamlining for next phase of growth.

Workday

  • Layoff Details: Cutting 8.5% workforce (~1,750 jobs).
  • Focus: Restructuring to adapt to market changes.

Market Implications and Industry Trends

Cost-Cutting and Efficiency

  • Companies are prioritizing cost reduction through layoffs and workforce restructuring.
  • Layoffs are driven by financial pressures and the need for operational efficiency.

Technological Shifts

  • AI adoption is reshaping workforces, with 41% of companies expecting to reduce staff over five years.
  • Tech jobs in AI, big data, and fintech are expected to double by 2030 (WEF).

Competitive Dynamics

  • Tech Industry: Meta, Microsoft, and Wayfair are leading layoffs, signaling a shift toward performance-based hiring.
  • Finance: BlackRock and Bridgewater are adjusting workforce sizes while maintaining growth in other areas.
  • Energy: BP and Chevron are cutting jobs to simplify operations and focus on core competencies.

Strategic Considerations

  • Companies are balancing workforce reductions with investments in AI and digital transformation.
  • Focus on long-term profitability, efficiency, and adapting to market shifts.

Long-Term Effects

  • The trend of layoffs may continue as companies adapt to technological advancements and economic uncertainties.
  • Workforce restructuring is expected to shape industries for years, particularly in tech and finance.

Regulatory Impacts

  • Potential implications for labor markets, including unemployment trends and workforce dynamics.
  • Companies must navigate legal and ethical considerations in layoffs and workforce management.

Conclusion

The ongoing wave of layoffs reflects broader market shifts driven by cost-cutting, technological change, and strategic repositioning. While some industries are reducing headcount, others are focusing on AI-driven growth. The long-term effects will shape business models and labor markets globally.