Accenture layoffs 2025: Company cuts 11,000 jobs as AI reshapes workforce

Accenture

Accenture has reduced its global workforce by over 11,000 employees in just three months as part of a sweeping restructuring. The Dublin-based consulting and IT services firm has warned that further job cuts could follow if retraining efforts fail to keep pace with its push towards artificial intelligence (AI).

Restructuring plan

The company recently announced an $865 million (about Rs 7,669 crore) restructuring programme designed to reshape operations in line with growing AI adoption. Accenture chief executive Julie Sweet told investors that reskilling remains the preferred approach, but where retraining is not possible, staff exits are inevitable.

Workforce impact

By the end of August, Accenture’s global headcount dropped to 7,79,000 from 7,91,000 earlier this year. Severance and related expenses reached $615 million in the last quarter, with an additional $250 million expected this quarter. The restructuring is projected to generate savings exceeding $1 billion once completed. However, redundancies are likely to continue until November 2025.

AI expansion

At the same time, Accenture is increasing its focus on artificial intelligence. Generative AI-related projects accounted for $5.1 billion in bookings during the last financial year, up from $3 billion the year before. The company now has 77,000 AI and data specialists, almost double the figure from two years ago. Sweet described these employees as “reinventors,” positioned as central to the firm’s future direction.