AsianFin -- Layoffs and workforce reductions are continuing into 2025, following two years of significant job cuts across industries such as tech, media, finance, manufacturing, retail, and energy.

While the reasons for downsizing vary, these cost-cutting measures are unfolding against a backdrop of rapid technological change. According to a recent World Economic Forum (WEF) survey, approximately 41% of companies worldwide anticipate reducing their workforces over the next five years due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

Companies like CNN, Dropbox, and IBM have already announced job cuts linked to AI adoption. Meanwhile, the WEF predicts that tech roles in big data, fintech, and AI are expected to double by 2030.

Below is a list of companies planning or implementing layoffs in 2025 so far:

In January, Adidas announced it would reduce its workforce at its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, potentially impacting up to 500 jobs, as reported by CNBC. If fully executed, this would represent a nearly 9% reduction at the company's headquarters, which currently employs around 5,800 people, according to Adidas' website.

The announcement came shortly after the company revealed it had exceeded its profit expectations at the end of 2024, citing "better-than-expected" results in the fourth quarter.

"Strong growth across all regions and divisions proves the good job our teams are doing across regions and functions," CEO Bjørn Gulden said in a press release. "So although we are not yet where we want to be long term, I am very happy with this development, which was much better than we had expected."

Other major companies, including Porsche, Wayfair, Starbucks, and Meta, are also expected to announce or have already initiated workforce reductions in 2025. Stay tuned for updates as more details emerge.