In a sweeping overhaul of its workforce, IBM is reportedly laying off thousands of employees across the United States while aggressively expanding its hiring efforts in India. Insiders reveal that the tech giant is redirecting its operational focus, prioritizing cost-effective labor markets overseas. The layoffs, which have yet to be officially quantified by IBM, are hitting multiple U.S. locations, including Raleigh, New York City, Dallas, and parts of California. Employees in roles tied to cloud computing, quality assurance, and other technical areas are among those affected, with some being asked to train their replacements in India before their departure—an ask that has stirred frustration and unease.
The contrast in IBM’s hiring strategy is starkly evident on its career portal. As of March 28, 2025, thousands of job openings are listed for India, dwarfing the mere hundreds available in the U.S. This shift underscores a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies increasingly turn to outsourcing to streamline costs and bolster profit margins. Critics argue that such moves jeopardize job security for American workers and raise questions about the long-term quality of services as institutional knowledge is transferred abroad. Meanwhile, IBM has remained tight-lipped, offering no official statement on the scope or reasoning behind these changes.
For affected employees, the layoffs represent more than just a job loss—they signal a seismic shift in the company’s priorities. Reports indicate that some workers were blindsided by the cuts, despite years of service, while others were given short notice to wrap up their contributions. The requirement to train Indian counterparts has added a layer of bitterness, with some describing it as “salt in the wound.” Labor advocates have seized on the moment, calling for greater transparency from IBM and renewed discussions about the ethics of outsourcing in an era of record corporate profits.
This isn’t the first time IBM has recalibrated its workforce. Historically, the company has navigated waves of layoffs and restructurings as it adapts to evolving market demands, from mainframes to AI. However, the current pivot toward India—a hub for skilled yet lower-cost tech talent—marks a significant escalation in its globalization strategy. Analysts suggest this could set a precedent for other U.S.-based tech firms, amplifying debates over economic fairness and the future of domestic employment in the sector. As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on IBM to see how it balances shareholder value with its legacy as an American corporate titan.
Source – https://www.bwpeople.in/article/ibm-slashes-us-jobs-boosts-hiring-in-india-552032