Global consulting giant Accenture has recently laid off more than 11,000 employees worldwide over the past three months, citing the rapid adoption of AI technologies and slowing corporate demand as key reasons for the workforce reduction. The company confirmed that these job cuts are part of an $865 million restructuring program, and warned that more exits may follow in the coming months.
AI Push Driving Workforce Changes
Accenture CEO Julie Sweet explained that the company is “exiting people on a compressed timeline where reskilling is not a viable path for the skills we need.” This highlights the urgency to align the workforce with client demand for AI-driven solutions, meaning that employees whose roles cannot transition to AI-focused projects are being let go.
Scale and Impact of Layoffs
By the end of August 2025, Accenture’s global headcount dropped from 791,000 to 779,000. The layoffs, which began earlier this year, are expected to continue until November 2025. The restructuring, mainly covering severance costs, is projected to save the company over $1 billion.
Investment in AI Training
While cutting jobs, Accenture is also investing in upskilling its employees in agentic AI, a new wave of AI tools designed to automate complex tasks. Julie Sweet emphasized that this training is crucial to meet client expectations as businesses globally embrace AI to transform operations.
Financial Performance Amid Layoffs
Despite workforce reductions, Accenture reported a 7% year-on-year revenue increase, reaching $17.6 billion in the June–August quarter of fiscal 2025, surpassing analyst expectations. Sweet stated that the results underscore Accenture’s ability to deliver innovative AI solutions to clients, even during a period of major internal restructuring.
As AI reshapes industries worldwide, companies like Accenture are walking a tightrope between workforce transformation and technological leadership. The current layoffs reflect the urgent shift towards AI-centric consulting and the changing nature of skills required in the global workforce.