From massive cuts at big tech companies to strategic workforce reductions at well‑known brands, 2026 has been met with a wave of layoff announcements.

Whether the goal is to meet the bottom line or prioritize AI initiatives and adapt to new technologies, many industries are engaging in the “downsizing” trend.

Amazon leads with massive corporate cuts

E-commerce giant Amazon recently confirmed plans to cut approximately 16,000 corporate jobs in 2026 as part of a broader workforce restructuring plan.

The move marks one of the company’s largest layoff rounds in its history.

These cuts come on top of earlier reductions in late 2025, bringing total corporate job losses close to 30,000, Reuters reported.

Pinterest trims workforce amid AI strategy shift

In a January Securities and Exchange Commission filing, Pinterest outlined plans to lay off roughly 15% of its workforce, affecting hundreds of employees as the company reallocates resources to focus on artificial intelligence‑related products and capabilities.

According to Reuters, the reduction is part of a broader restructuring to accelerate the company’s pivot toward AI‑enabled offerings, despite investor concerns and a drop in its stock price following the announcement.

Final Round reports the cuts include approximately 700 layoffs.

Other notable layoffs in early 2026

• Meta Platforms is planning workforce reductions of roughly 10% within its Reality Labs division, affecting approximately 1,500 roles, The New York Times reported. According to Reuters, the cuts reflect a strategic shift toward investment in AI.

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