A fresh wave of job cuts and workforce restructuring is sweeping across global companies, with Apple, Canva, Microsoft, Deloitte and Zomato among the names making changes to their workforce. While some firms are reducing jobs to simplify operations and cut costs, others are offering voluntary exit packages as they adapt to changing business priorities and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
The latest development comes from Apple, which has reportedly laid off some hardware programme managers as CEO John Ternus and Chief Hardware Officer Johny Srouji move to reduce management layers. According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, cited by MacRumors, the company has dismissed programme managers in recent weeks as part of changes within its engineering organisation.
The development follows separate job cuts in California, where employment records show 147 permanent Apple job losses across three locations. The affected roles included software development engineers, machine-learning specialists, engineering programme managers and other technical positions. Apple has not announced a company-wide workforce reduction, and the number of hardware programme managers affected remains undisclosed.
Canva lays off 1,271 employees, offers six months’ salary
Meanwhile, Australian design platform Canva has announced plans to cut 1,271 jobs, representing around 22 per cent of its global workforce. CEO Melanie Perkins informed employees about the decision through an internal memo, describing it as one of the most difficult moments in the company’s 13-year history.
The restructuring comes amid slower growth, with Canva bringing major teams together and reducing organisational layers. The company has not disclosed which teams or geographical locations will be affected.
Canva has also announced a severance package for employees leaving the company. The benefits include at least six months’ salary, healthcare support in eligible countries, career coaching, interview preparation and one year of LinkedIn Premium. Employees will also be allowed to retain their company-issued MacBooks.
The company is also planning to make Sydney its primary operating base, with most hybrid employees expected to work from offices two to three days a week from January 2027.
Microsoft offers voluntary exit to around 60,000 employees
Microsoft has introduced a Voluntary Exit Offer (VEO) for eligible employees across participating teams in India, the US, the UK and Canada. The programme could cover around 60,000 employees globally, although not all employees are eligible to participate.
The offer is available to selected employees at level 70 and below in participating organisations. In India, divisions potentially covered include Copilot, AI experiences, Windows and Devices, Xbox, finance and human resources.
Eligible Indian employees have been given until December 1 to decide whether to accept the offer. The package is understood to include one month’s base salary for every completed year of service, along with health insurance and career-transition assistance.
Microsoft has said the programme is voluntary and that participation will depend on individual business priorities and workforce requirements. The company has not disclosed how many employees in India are eligible.
Deloitte cuts jobs in Australia and the UK
Deloitte has also undertaken workforce changes in some international markets. Deloitte Australia reportedly plans to cut around 170 jobs, representing approximately 2 per cent of its non-partner workforce, amid a shift in client demand and changes to its operating model.
In the UK, Deloitte has offered voluntary redundancy on enhanced terms to some employees in its audit and assurance business. The reported changes are separate from its India operations.
In contrast, Deloitte has announced plans to hire 50,000 professionals in India, with a focus on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The company has also highlighted employee upskilling as part of its strategy to adapt to changing workforce requirements.
Zomato cuts around 250 jobs, shuts Hyderabad support centre
In India, food delivery platform Zomato laid off around 250 employees in August 2026 following a review of its customer support operations. The company discontinued its Customer Delight operations in Hyderabad and shifted its in-house support operations to Gurgaon.
The decision affected approximately 240 employees in Hyderabad, according to sources cited by NDTV Profit. The affected employees were reportedly offered four months’ severance pay, including contractual notice pay and a one-time ex-gratia payment. Their medical insurance and counselling support were also extended until March 31, 2027.
The company said its customer support model had changed, with more work being handled by specialised external partners. It wanted the remaining in-house operations to function as an integrated team closer to its product, technology, analytics and business functions.
What about Swiggy?
Swiggy has undertaken workforce reductions in the past, including a major round in 2020 when it announced plans to part ways with 1,100 employees amid the Covid-19 crisis. However, a new Swiggy layoff announcement for 2026 could not be independently verified for this report and should not be grouped with the confirmed recent cuts at Zomato.
AI and restructuring reshape the job market
The developments reflect a wider shift in how companies are managing their workforces. Businesses are consolidating teams, reducing management layers, reviewing support operations and redirecting resources towards newer technologies.
While AI is increasingly influencing hiring plans, productivity and the way teams operate, companies have cited different reasons for their workforce decisions. Canva has pointed to slower growth and organisational restructuring, Microsoft’s programme is voluntary, and Zomato cited changes to its customer support model.
The latest developments highlight the uncertainty facing employees across the technology and corporate sectors, even as some companies continue to invest in AI capabilities and expand hiring in specialised roles.