Tech Giants Adjust Workforce Strategy Amid AI Commercialization Push

Major technology companies are implementing significant workforce adjustments and accelerating commercial deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous systems, reflecting a global shift toward efficiency and leveraged growth.

Amazon announced a new round of corporate layoffs affecting 14,000 workers worldwide. The company initiated the cuts by notifying hundreds of U.S. employees via text message on Tuesday, instructing them to check their corporate email. This marks the second largest workforce reduction since 2022, when the e-commerce giant cut 27,000 positions following the pandemic and supply chain crises. In Spain, the company has initiated a collective dismissal process (ERE) that is expected to affect approximately 1,200 workers. The layoffs come as Amazon dedicates billions of dollars toward AI development.

In contrast to the widespread cuts, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella indicated that the software maker plans to expand its employee base, though the growth will be fundamentally different than in previous years.

Speaking on a podcast, Nadella stated that Microsoft "will grow our headcount," but emphasized that the new hires will operate "with a lot more leverage than the headcount we had pre-AI." This strategy follows a period of contraction for Microsoft; its workforce remained flat at 228,000 during the 2025 fiscal year, which ended in June, after multiple rounds of layoffs reduced the total by at least 6,000. An additional 9,000 workers were let go in July.

The push toward AI-driven commercialization is also evident in the autonomous vehicle sector. DeepRoute.ai, a pioneer in autonomous driving technology, announced plans to launch robotaxi operations using commercial-grade production vehicles by the end of 2025.

The Shenzhen, China-based company, which is backed by investors including Alibaba and Great Wall Motor with over $500 million in funding, intends to use a proven vehicle platform for the deployment. This platform currently powers approximately 150,000 assisted driving vehicles already in service in China, with projections for that number to exceed 200,000 by the end of the year. Officials stated that the initiative represents a key step toward large-scale commercialization and improving accessibility for everyday users.

The enthusiasm surrounding AI is also driving significant activity in global financial markets, leading to warnings about potential overvaluation.

The Spanish Ibex 35 index recently reached historic highs, nearing 16,000 points, a level last touched in November 2007. Analysts noted that the renewed optimism is largely fueled by faith in the power of AI.

However, warnings about market overheating have multiplied. Investor Michael Burry, known for anticipating the 2008 housing collapse, issued a message to markets this week suggesting that "sometimes we see bubbles." Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently cautioned that U.S. stock valuations are trading approximately 10% above reasonable levels, attributing the elevated prices partly to excitement over AI prospects.