Tech Layoffs 2026: Over 1.16 Lakh Employees Laid Off Globally So Far; AI Transformation and Restructuring Cited as Main Reasons

Over 116,700 tech employees have been laid off globally between January and May 2026, driven largely by restructuring and AI-driven initiatives. March was the most severe month, with 46,000 cuts. While major firms like Meta and PayPal reduce headcounts to prioritise AI, the Indian IT sector reports a shift toward hybrid skill sets rather than mass displacement.