U.S. corporate layoffs have surged to pandemic-era levels as inflation, automation, and economic uncertainty force companies to slash jobs across industries.
At a Glance
- U.S. companies have announced over 696,000 job cuts in 2025, the highest since early 2020
- Procter & Gamble plans to cut 7,000 nonmanufacturing jobs amid restructuring
- Microsoft, Intel, and Meta have collectively laid off tens of thousands in tech
- Walmart is eliminating 1,500 corporate roles, including 106 in Silicon Valley
- Disney is laying off several hundred employees in film, TV, and finance divisions
Economic Pressures Drive Workforce Reductions
Layoffs in 2025 have reached a grim milestone, with over 696,309 job cuts announced so far—making this year the worst since the early days of COVID-19. Economists cite government austerity measures, reduced consumer demand, and fallout from tariffs as key drivers of the trend.
Consumer goods titan Procter & Gamble is among the hardest hit, planning to eliminate about 7,000 jobs, or roughly 15% of its nonmanufacturing workforce. The cuts come amid a company-wide restructuring aimed at enhancing automation and digital operations. The move follows disappointing earnings forecasts, as consumers cut back on spending under the pressure of inflation.
Tech Industry Faces Significant Layoffs
The technology sector has seen sweeping reductions, with over 62,000 jobs lost across 284 companies in the first five months of 2025. Microsoft alone has laid off more than 6,000 employees, roughly 3% of its global workforce. Intel plans to eliminate 20% of its staff, and Meta is downsizing by 3,600 roles.
These cuts reflect a broader recalibration in the tech industry, which over-hired during the pandemic boom. As interest rates and inflation remain high, companies are shifting focus toward efficiency and leaner operations.
Watch a report: Corporate Layoffs Surge Amid Economic Shifts.
Retail and Entertainment Sectors Not Immune
Retail has also joined the layoff wave. Walmart is cutting approximately 1,500 corporate jobs nationwide, including over 100 roles at its Silicon Valley tech hub. The company says these changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance digital capabilities and accelerate decision-making.
Meanwhile, Disney is eliminating several hundred positions across its film, TV, and corporate finance units. The layoffs impact marketing, development, and casting teams as Disney continues pivoting from traditional media to a streaming-focused future.
As major firms across sectors restructure in response to changing economic conditions, experts warn this wave of layoffs may continue well into 2025—reshaping the American labor landscape for years to come.
