Global job losses in 2025 stem from a mix of technological, economic, and geopolitical factors:

1. Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Automation

AI is replacing human tasks, especially in white‑collar and entry‑level roles. Companies are cutting thousands of roles, with technology sectors hit hardest.

The World Economic Forum reports that 40% of employers plan job cuts where automation can take over, even as millions of jobs are simultaneously created.

AI’s influence is expected to affect up to 40% of jobs globally, especially in advanced economies.

2. Economic Slowdown, Trade Tensions & Geopolitical Strain

The ILO has downgraded global job growth forecasts from 60 million to 53 million new jobs in 2025 due to slower economic growth and heightened trade tensions.

Global employment in developed markets has declined moderately amid weaker industrial output and cautious business sentiment.

Rising geopolitical tensions, climate pressures, and debt burdens are straining labor markets.

3. Budget Cuts & Organizational Restructuring (“DOGE Impact”)

Nearly 289,000 job cuts so far in 2025 are attributed to the “DOGE Downstream Impact,” driven by federal and contractor spending reductions.

4. Industry-Specific Downturns

The gaming industry shed around 35,000 jobs between 2022 and May 2025, driven by soaring development costs and economic slowdowns.

5. Structural Shifts and Skill Mismatches

Jobs increasingly require new skills; many workers are structurally unemployed due to mismatches between their current capabilities and evolving job demands.

Historically, significant numbers of workers potentially hundreds of millions may need to switch occupations or upskill as automation reshapes jobs by 2030.