Overview

• IBM has cut about 8,000 positions, largely in its HR department, to automate routine tasks with AI.
• Earlier in May, the company replaced around 200 HR roles with AI agents responsible for sorting information, answering employee queries and processing internal paperwork.
• CEO Arvind Krishna says efficiency gains from automation have allowed IBM to increase headcount overall by investing in higher-skilled areas such as software development, marketing and sales.
• Chief Human Resources Officer Nickle LaMoreaux emphasizes AI will handle repetitive duties without fully replacing human roles.
• Companies including Duolingo and Shopify are pursuing similar AI-driven cuts, indicating a broader shift toward automation in back-office operations.