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Amidst reports of major tech companies announcing large-scale layoffs despite productivity gains from artificial intelligence (AI), IBM has also announced workforce reductions.

IBM had signaled workforce adjustments in the fourth quarter to focus on its software segment, Reuters reported on the 4th (local time).

In a statement released on the same day, IBM stated, "We regularly review and rebalance our workforce. In the fourth quarter, we are implementing actions that will affect a single-digit percentage of our global workforce."

As of the end of last year, IBM's total employee count was 270,000. Even a 1% reduction would amount to 2,700 job cuts.

However, IBM added that while U.S. employees may be included in the layoffs, the company intends to maintain the same level of employment in the United States as last year.

Under CEO Arvind Krishna, IBM is focusing on its software segment to increase revenue from cloud services amid the growth of the AI market.

Nevertheless, IBM's stock has been on a downward trend after its software segment's revenue growth failed to meet market expectations last month.

Due to the rapid development of AI technology, many tech companies are continuing to lay off employees.

Amazon laid off 14,000 employees, and Meta also conducted workforce adjustments, eliminating 600 jobs.

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