Around 8,000 IBM employees have been laid off, with the majority from Human Resources. This seems to be a direct result of IBM’s automation efforts, as AI recently took over 200 HR jobs, indicating a gradual replacement of human roles by AI.

Earlier this month, IBM replaced around 200 HR positions with AI, which now handles routine tasks like sorting information and answering employee queries. This hints at a broader trend: AI appears set to affect thousands more jobs within the company.

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna previously indicated that AI and automation would streamline processes and boost team efficiency. He noted that while automation led to savings, these were reinvested, increasing overall employee numbers in areas like software development, marketing, and sales.

Krishna reportedly said, “While we have done a huge amount of work inside IBM on leveraging AI and automation on certain enterprise workflows, our total employment has actually gone up. “It gives you more investment to put into other areas”.

IBM states it’s not reducing its total workforce, but changing what kind of jobs it needs. While creative and strategic roles (like marketing or software development) are safe, routine back-office tasks are most vulnerable to these shifts.

IBM’s Chief HR Officer, Nickle LaMoreaux, believes AI won’t eliminate all jobs. She explained, “Very few roles will be completely replaced”.

Instead, AI will handle routine tasks, allowing employees to focus on complex, judgment-based work.

Despite recent significant layoffs, IBM continues to promote its AI solutions. At their recent Think conference, they showcased new services enabling businesses to create and deploy their own AI agents, designed to work with platforms like OpenAI, Amazon, and Microsoft.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/ibm-is-cutting-around-8000-jobs-likely-because-of-ai-major-losses-in-hr-department-2731131-2025-05-27