“A total of 80,150 employees in 169 tech companies have been laid off in 2025, according to a layoff tracker called Layoffs.” ~ Source
Across industries—from TCS and Infosys to Microsoft and global tech giants—we’re witnessing another wave of organizational restructuring. Buzzwords like “lean workforce,” “organizational churn,” and “right-sizing” are flooding boardrooms. But let’s call it what it is: a clear response to a skills crisis in the age of AI.
Yet, most companies avoid explicitly naming Generative AI or digital automation as the disruptors. Instead, they subtly shift focus towards performance, adaptability, and value creation. But make no mistake—technology and low implementation of skills are redefining the future of employment.
The most vulnerable segment today is the mid-level workforce. These professionals, once critical to organizational stability, are being replaced not because of redundancy in role, but redundancy in adaptability. In this “layoff season,” the real question organizations are asking is:
“What do we really need in a talent pool today?”
An MBA or Business Analytics Degree no longer guarantees job security. What matters is your ability to lead through ambiguity, make decisions without authority, and deliver measurable outcomes. Organizations need:
- Doers over title holders
- Critical thinkers over task executors
- Emotionally intelligent leaders over technical specialists
It’s not about knowing AI—it’s about adapting, applying, and leading in an AI-powered world.
The organizations of tomorrow will thrive not because they’ve invested in more tech, but because they’ve invested in the right skills. CEOs today are looking for:
- Leaders with a growth mindset
- Teams with agility and resilience
- Employees who self-initiate learning, not wait for HR to recommend it
If your Learning & Development team lacks the agility to keep up, it may be time to bring in fractional L&D partners who bring outside-in perspectives, fresh diagnostics, and the courage to call out capability gaps.
How Are You Investing in Yourself?
There’s no excuse. Free MOOCs, AI tools, and online upskilling platforms are widely available. Today, success is not defined by certificates but by:
- How fast you can adapt and execute
- How well you align your skills to business outcomes
- Your willingness to network with enablers, seek feedback, and self-reflect
❝You’re not being paid to fill a seat. You’re paid to produce results.❞
Whether you’re in IT, Manufacturing, Startups, or BFSI/NBFCs, the market demands:
- Shorter performance sprints
- Digital dexterity
- Leadership without hierarchy
- Measurable improvement in KPIs
Let’s stop expecting the old playbook to work in a post-AI economy. The question is no longer “Will I be replaced?” but “How soon will I be irrelevant if I don’t evolve?”
Questions for Reflection:
- Are you actively assessing your skills relevance every 6 months?
- What steps have you taken to build a digital-first mindset?
- Who in your network can act as a sponsor or growth ally?
- Are you enabling your team to own their learning or waiting for L&D to lead it?
- Do you treat change as a threat or an invitation to evolve?
Let’s build organizations that are agile by design, and individuals who are resilient by mindset. The future belongs to those who see uncertainty as a launchpad for growth.
