IBM trims global workforce by a low single-digit percentage in Q4

IBM announced on Tuesday that it will reduce its global workforce by a low single-digit percentage in the fourth quarter, a move that will eliminate several thousand jobs while leaving overall U.S. employment roughly unchanged year over year, the company said. The cuts come as IBM continues to pivot toward higher‑margin software, cloud and artificial intelligence consulting services under Chief Executive Arvind Krishna.

"In the fourth quarter, we are executing an action that will impact a low single‑digit percentage of our global workforce," a company spokesperson said, adding that some U.S. roles may be affected but that total U.S. headcount is expected to remain flat. With about 270,000 employees worldwide at the end of the most recent reporting period, a 1 percent reduction would equal roughly 2,700 positions; company officials described the adjustment as part of routine workforce rebalancing rather than a broader restructuring.

IBM has been shifting resources toward software and cloud capabilities since Krishna became CEO in 2020. The company reported a double‑digit increase in some software metrics in recent quarters and has highlighted rising bookings for AI consulting and...