Showing posts with label Layoffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Layoffs. Show all posts

Thursday, August 28, 2025

Microsoft Layoff Promises: Why "You Can Reapply" Might Be a Myth

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5 Key Takeaways

  • Former Microsoft employee claims the company is filtering out laid-off workers from rehire opportunities despite promises to the contrary.
  • The ex-employee, a self-described 'strong top performer,' says all their rehire applications have been rejected.
  • Reddit users advise laid-off workers not to waste time reapplying at Microsoft, suggesting rehiring is unlikely after a layoff.
  • Other commenters note it's common for HR to make rehire difficult for recently laid-off employees, even if internal applications are allowed.
  • Microsoft has cut over 15,000 jobs in 2025, with CEO Satya Nadella acknowledging the strain layoffs have caused but stating overall headcount remains 'basically flat.'

Laid Off from Microsoft? Ex-Employee Says Rehire Promises May Not Be What They Seem

Losing your job is tough, but what if you’re told you can reapply—only to find out that’s not really the case? That’s exactly what one former Microsoft employee claims happened to them, and their story is sparking a lot of conversation online.

The ex-employee, who shared their experience on Reddit, said they were let go from Microsoft about four months ago. They described themselves as a “strong top performer,” so the layoff came as a complete shock. During their exit, they were told there was “no cool-off period” and that they could apply for other jobs at Microsoft right away.

But here’s the catch: every single application they submitted was rejected. “It’s clear Microsoft is filtering candidates that they let go, while they keep opening up positions,” the former employee wrote. In other words, even though the company says laid-off workers can come back, it seems like those applications aren’t really being considered.

Other Reddit users chimed in with their own advice and experiences. One person bluntly said, “You are gone! Do not waste your time applying to other positions at the same firm.” Another suggested waiting until there’s a change in management or HR before trying again. Several people agreed that it’s common for big companies to quietly block recently laid-off employees from being rehired, even if they say otherwise.

This discussion is happening as Microsoft continues to make big cuts to its workforce. In 2025 alone, the company has laid off more than 15,000 employees, with 9,000 of those cuts announced just in July. CEO Satya Nadella even sent a memo to staff acknowledging how hard these layoffs have been for everyone.

As of June 2024, Microsoft had about 228,000 employees worldwide. The company hasn’t shared updated numbers since the latest round of layoffs, but Nadella says the total headcount is “basically flat.”

It’s important to note that this story is based on one person’s post on Reddit, and the claims haven’t been independently verified. Still, it’s a reminder that promises made during layoffs—like being able to reapply—might not always match what actually happens behind the scenes.

If you’ve been laid off, it might be worth looking for new opportunities elsewhere, rather than waiting for your old company to take you back. Sometimes, moving forward is the best way to bounce back.


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Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Will AI Steal Your Job? The Future of Work in an Automated World

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5 Key Takeaways

  • Recent research suggests technology, especially AI, is now destroying more jobs than it creates, particularly in professional roles.
  • AI-driven automation could lead to deflation and increased government intervention to support unemployed workers.
  • Economic winners will be those who best create and utilize technology, with the U.S. and China well positioned for dominance.
  • The tech war between the U.S. and China is expected to be long and more consequential than traditional trade wars.
  • Aging populations may offset some labor force shrinkage, but the exponential pace of technological change favors automation over human workers.

Will AI Take Over Most Jobs? What Happens Next?

There’s a lot of talk these days about artificial intelligence (AI) and how it’s changing the world. But one big question keeps coming up: Will AI and robots take over most human jobs? And if that happens, what comes next for all of us?

The Changing Job Landscape

For a long time, new technology has both destroyed and created jobs. When machines took over farm work, people moved to factories. When factories became automated, people found work in offices and new industries. In fact, most of today’s jobs didn’t even exist in 1940!

But recent research suggests we might be at a turning point. According to experts like MIT economist David Autor, since the 1980s, technology has started to destroy more jobs than it creates—especially in professional and technical fields. In the past, machines made us more productive, but now, with AI getting smarter, they’re starting to actually replace us.

How Big Is the Risk?

Studies from organizations like the OECD and PriceWaterhouseCoopers estimate that 15-30% of jobs in developed countries could be automated in the coming years. And it’s not just factory or routine jobs at risk—AI is now smart enough to handle many tasks done by managers, analysts, and even some creative professionals.

What Could Happen to the Economy?

If AI does end up replacing a lot of human workers, there could be some big changes:

  • Deflation: With fewer people working and more machines making goods and services, prices could fall. But if people don’t have jobs, they might not have money to spend, which could hurt the economy.
  • Bigger Government Role: Governments might need to step in to support people who lose their jobs, possibly by redistributing wealth from tech companies to the unemployed.
  • Global Tech Race: Countries that lead in AI and technology—like the US and China—could become even more powerful. This could lead to a long-term “tech war” between nations, as each tries to outdo the other.

Is There Any Good News?

Some experts point out that aging populations in countries like Japan and South Korea mean there are fewer workers anyway, so automation could help fill the gap. But technology is advancing much faster than populations are aging, so it’s hard to predict exactly how things will balance out.

The Bottom Line

AI is changing the job market faster than ever before. While it’s possible that new types of work will appear, there’s a real risk that many people could be left behind. The countries and people who adapt best to this new world of technology will likely come out on top. For the rest of us, it’s time to start thinking about how to prepare for a future where machines might do much of the work.


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Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Haryana’s Unemployment Crisis: 4 Lakh Youth Waiting for Work

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5 Key Takeaways

  • 4.04 lakh unemployed youth are registered with 65 employment exchanges across Haryana.
  • Hisar district has the highest number of registered unemployed youth (41,991), while Gurugram (2,984) and Faridabad (3,221) have the lowest.
  • Nine districts have more than 20,000 unemployed youth, and six districts have fewer than 10,000.
  • Among the registered, 29,986 are postgraduates, 1.01 lakh are graduates, and 2.34 lakh have completed 10+2.
  • 1.85 lakh youth in Haryana are currently receiving unemployment allowance from the state government.

Over 4 Lakh Unemployed Youth Registered in Haryana: A Closer Look

Unemployment is a big concern for many families, and recent data from Haryana shows just how serious the problem is. According to official numbers, more than 4.04 lakh (404,000) young people are currently registered as unemployed across the state. These figures come from the 65 employment exchanges that help connect job seekers with employers.

Which Districts Have the Most Unemployed Youth?

The numbers show that some districts are struggling more than others. Hisar tops the list with 41,991 unemployed youth, followed closely by Jind with 40,596. Bhiwani (32,789) and Kaithal (32,561) also have high numbers. On the other hand, Gurugram and Faridabad, which are known for their industries and job opportunities, have the lowest numbers—just 2,984 and 3,221 registered unemployed youth, respectively.

In total, nine districts in Haryana have more than 20,000 unemployed youth each, while six districts have fewer than 10,000.

Who Are the Unemployed?

The data also gives us an idea about the education levels of those looking for jobs. Out of the total registered:

  • 29,986 are postgraduates (people who have completed their master’s degree or higher)
  • 1.01 lakh (101,000) are graduates (completed college)
  • 2.34 lakh (234,000) have finished their 12th standard (10+2)

Hisar not only has the highest overall number of unemployed youth, but also the most postgraduates (2,757), followed by Jind, Bhiwani, and Rohtak.

Unemployment Allowance

To help those who are struggling, the Haryana government is providing unemployment allowance to 1.85 lakh (185,000) young people. This information was shared in the state Assembly in response to a question by Congress MLA Geeta Bhukkal, who wanted to know more about how employment offices are working and how many people are getting this support.

What Does This Mean?

These numbers highlight the ongoing challenge of unemployment in Haryana, especially among educated youth. While some districts are doing better, many young people are still waiting for the right job opportunity. The government’s unemployment allowance is a small relief, but the bigger goal remains—creating more jobs and helping young people build their futures.

If you or someone you know is looking for work, don’t forget to register at your local employment exchange and keep an eye out for new opportunities. Let’s hope for better days ahead!


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Sunday, August 24, 2025

AI’s Real Threat: The Skills Gap, Not Job Losses, Says Microsoft’s AI Chief

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5 Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman says the main risk from AI is a growing skill gap, not widespread layoffs.
  • Suleyman warns that many people may not be able to adapt quickly enough to rapid changes brought by AI.
  • He urges governments, companies, and educators to prioritize reskilling programs and digital literacy.
  • Suleyman highlights a new concern called 'AI psychosis,' where excessive interaction with AI can cause individuals to lose touch with reality.
  • He calls for the tech industry to implement ethical guardrails, including clear disclaimers, monitoring usage, and collaborating with mental health professionals.

Microsoft AI Chief: The Real Risk of AI Isn’t Mass Layoffs—It’s the Skills Gap

When people talk about artificial intelligence (AI) and jobs, the conversation often turns to fears of robots taking over and massive layoffs. But according to Mustafa Suleyman, the CEO of Microsoft AI, that’s not the main thing we should be worried about.

In a recent interview, Suleyman explained that while AI is changing the way we work, it’s not likely to cause widespread job losses. Instead, his biggest concern is that many people won’t be able to keep up with how quickly things are changing. “My central worry is that many people will not be able to adapt fast enough to the changes brought by AI,” he said.

The Real Problem: Keeping Up with Change

Suleyman leads Microsoft’s consumer AI products, like Copilot, and he’s seen firsthand how AI is already transforming jobs—from customer service to computer programming. But rather than eliminating jobs, AI is reshaping them. The challenge is that these changes are happening so fast that workers may not have time to learn the new skills they need.

This creates a “skills gap”—a situation where the jobs of the future require abilities that many people don’t have yet. Those who can’t access training or education risk being left behind.

What Can We Do About It?

Suleyman isn’t just raising the alarm—he’s calling for action. He believes that governments, companies, and schools need to work together to help people learn new skills and become comfortable with digital technology. This means investing in reskilling programs, teaching digital literacy, and making sure everyone has access to the tools they need to succeed in an AI-powered world.

The goal, Suleyman says, should be to help people thrive—not just survive—as AI becomes a bigger part of our lives.

A New Risk: “AI Psychosis”

Suleyman also warned about a new mental health risk he calls “AI psychosis.” This happens when people spend so much time interacting with AI systems that they start to lose touch with reality. He says this is a real and growing problem, especially for vulnerable individuals who might blur the line between human and machine.

To tackle this, Suleyman urges the tech industry to take the issue seriously by adding clear warnings about AI’s limitations, monitoring for unhealthy usage, and working with mental health experts.

The Bottom Line

AI is changing the world fast. The real risk isn’t that robots will take all our jobs, but that we won’t be ready for the new ones. By focusing on education, training, and mental health, we can make sure everyone has a chance to succeed in the age of AI.


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Thursday, August 21, 2025

AI Won’t Save Your Job—And That’s Not a Bad Thing, Says Ex-Google Exec

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5 Key Takeaways

  • Ex-Google executive Mo Gawdat claims the idea that AI will create jobs is '100% crap' and a 'capitalist lie'.
  • AI is expected to replace many roles, including video editors, podcasters, executives, doctors, and teachers.
  • Gawdat's startup was built by just three developers using AI, whereas previously it would have required a team of 350.
  • Artificial general intelligence will eventually outperform humans in all domains, even leadership positions.
  • Gawdat suggests the shift could allow people to focus more on family, hobbies, and personal fulfillment if society embraces change.

Is AI Really Creating More Jobs? A Former Google Exec Says “No Way”

We’ve all heard the story: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to make our lives easier and create tons of new jobs. But is that really true? According to Mo Gawdat, a former top executive at Google, the idea that AI will create more jobs is “100% crap.” In fact, he calls it a “capitalist lie.”

Mo Gawdat, who once served as Chief Business Officer at Google X (the company’s secretive innovation lab), recently spoke out on the “Diary of a CEO” podcast. He didn’t hold back. Gawdat says that not only will AI fail to create new jobs, but it will actually replace many of the ones we have—including high-level positions like CEOs.

To prove his point, Gawdat shared an example from his own startup, Emma.love. The app was built by just three developers using AI. In the past, he says, a project like this would have needed a team of 350 people! That’s a huge difference, and it shows just how much work AI can do on its own.

And it’s not just tech jobs at risk. Gawdat believes that almost every job could be replaced by AI, from video editors and podcasters to doctors and teachers. Even top executives aren’t safe. “There will be a time where most incompetent CEOs will be replaced,” he said. While the best performers might keep their jobs a little longer, Gawdat warns that eventually, even they could be replaced by smarter, faster AI.

So what does this mean for the future of work? Gawdat thinks it’s time to rethink our relationship with jobs altogether. He argues that the idea of spending most of our lives working is outdated. “We were never made to wake up every morning and just occupy 20 hours of our day with work,” he says. According to him, defining our purpose by our jobs is a “capitalist lie.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Gawdat sees a silver lining: If we embrace the changes AI brings, we could have more time for family, hobbies, helping others, and discovering who we are beyond our job titles.

In short, while AI might not be the job creator some people claim, it could give us the chance to redefine what really matters in life—if we’re willing to adapt.


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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

When EMIs Eclipse Dreams: Bengaluru’s Homeownership Dilemma

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5 Key Takeaways

  • A Bengaluru techie faced severe financial stress after losing his job soon after buying a Rs 1.3 crore flat with a Rs 78,000 monthly EMI.
  • The incident sparked a debate online about the risks of buying versus renting property in expensive Indian metro cities.
  • Many highlighted the importance of assessing financial stability and job security before taking on large home loans.
  • Some users shared alternative strategies, such as paying in full to avoid EMIs or renting out property to cover loan payments.
  • The consensus was that there is no universal answer; decisions should be based on individual financial situations and risk calculations.

When a Dream Home Turns Into a Nightmare: The Real Cost of Big EMIs in Bengaluru

Buying your own home is a dream for many, especially in a city like Bengaluru. But what happens when that dream suddenly becomes a source of stress? A recent story making the rounds on social media has sparked a big debate about whether it’s really worth buying expensive apartments in India’s metro cities—or if renting is the smarter choice.

Here’s what happened: A Bengaluru techie, working at a multinational company (MNC), bought a flat worth Rs 1.3 crore a few years ago. To make this dream come true, he paid a hefty down payment of Rs 50 lakh and took a home loan, which meant a monthly EMI (loan repayment) of Rs 78,000. For a while, things were going smoothly. The family managed their finances and enjoyed their new home.

But then, the unexpected happened—the techie lost his job. Suddenly, the Rs 78,000 EMI became a huge burden. With no steady income, the family’s dream home started to feel more like a nightmare. The story was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user named Wealth Whisperer, who said she advised her cousin’s husband to consider selling the flat and starting fresh.

This story quickly went viral, with people sharing their own experiences and opinions. One user said he bought a flat for Rs 65 lakh in 2020, paid Rs 20 lakh upfront, and took a loan for the rest. His EMI was around Rs 40,000, but he pointed out that he could now rent out the flat for Rs 55,000 or even sell it for Rs 1.5 crore. He even used the rent money to pay off part of his loan.

Others joined the debate, asking: Is it really worth buying such expensive homes, or is renting better? Some said they prefer to pay in cash and avoid loans altogether, while others argued that only government jobs offer true job security. Wealth Whisperer replied that most Indians work in private companies and want to own homes, but the key is to carefully assess your financial stability before taking on big loans.

The takeaway? While owning a home is a proud milestone, it’s important to think about your job security and financial backup before committing to large EMIs. Sometimes, renting can offer more flexibility and less stress—especially in uncertain times. The “rent vs buy” debate is far from over, but stories like this remind us to plan wisely and not let our dreams turn into financial nightmares.


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When AI Meets Resistance: How One CEO’s Mass Firing Transformed His Company

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5 Key Takeaways

  • IgniteTech CEO Eric Vaughan replaced 80% of his workforce in 2023 after employees resisted mandatory AI adoption.
  • Technical staff were the most resistant to AI changes, while marketing and sales teams were more receptive.
  • Despite investing 20% of payroll in AI education, widespread refusal and sabotage led to mass firings.
  • The restructuring resulted in significant financial success, including 75% profit margins and new AI product launches.
  • Vaughan does not recommend his drastic approach to others, calling it an unintended result of cultural resistance.

When a CEO Fired 80% of His Staff for Resisting AI – What Happened Next?

Imagine coming to work one day and being told that your company is going all-in on artificial intelligence (AI). Now, imagine that if you don’t get on board, you might lose your job. That’s exactly what happened at IgniteTech, a global software company, back in 2023.

Eric Vaughan, the CEO of IgniteTech, believed that AI was not just a new tool, but a make-or-break moment for the company. He called AI an “existential threat” – meaning, if they didn’t adapt, the company might not survive. To push everyone to embrace this change, he introduced “AI Mondays,” where employees could only work on AI-related projects once a week.

But not everyone was excited. In fact, the biggest pushback came from the company’s own technical staff – the people you’d expect to be most interested in new technology! Many of them were skeptical about AI’s abilities and worried about its limitations. Meanwhile, the marketing and sales teams were more open to learning and using AI tools.

Vaughan didn’t just expect people to figure it out on their own. He invested a huge 20% of the company’s payroll into AI training, even paying for classes and new software. But despite these efforts, many employees simply refused to participate. Some even tried to sabotage the new AI initiatives.

Faced with this resistance, Vaughan made a tough call: he replaced nearly 80% of his global workforce over the course of a year. It was a drastic move, and he admits it was “extremely difficult.” But two years later, he says he would do it again if he had to.

So, did it work? Financially, yes. By 2024, IgniteTech had launched two new AI-powered products and kept profit margins at a whopping 75%. The company even managed a major acquisition, showing that the gamble paid off in business terms.

But Vaughan doesn’t recommend this approach to other leaders. He says firing so many people wasn’t part of the plan – it was a last resort when cultural resistance became too strong. In fact, research shows that about a third of workers in many companies actively resist or even sabotage AI projects.

The lesson? Adopting new technology like AI isn’t just about training or buying new tools. It’s about changing mindsets – and that can be the hardest part of all.


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Oracle’s India Layoffs: AI Ambitions Spark a Major Workforce Shake-Up

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5 Key Takeaways

  • Oracle has laid off nearly 10% of its India workforce, impacting around 2,800 employees, mainly in software development, cloud services, and customer support.
  • The layoffs follow Oracle's major deal with OpenAI and a high-profile meeting between Oracle's CEO and US President Donald Trump, fueling speculation about a shift in company strategy.
  • India is among the worst affected regions, but job cuts are also happening in the US, Canada, and Mexico, indicating a broader global downsizing.
  • The restructuring is linked to Oracle's increased investment in AI and data centers, especially in the US, as part of the massive 'Stargate' project with OpenAI and SoftBank.
  • Despite the cuts in India, Oracle continues selective hiring in the US, signaling a strategic shift in focus rather than a complete hiring freeze.

Oracle Lays Off 10% of Its India Workforce: What’s Really Happening?

In a surprising move, Oracle, one of the world’s largest software companies, has laid off nearly 10% of its employees in India. This decision comes at a time when the company is making big changes, including a new partnership with OpenAI and high-level meetings with US President Donald Trump. Here’s what you need to know about this major shake-up.

A Big Blow to Indian Tech Workers

Oracle has been a major employer in India for years, with almost 29,000 people working in cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Noida, and Kolkata. Now, about one in every ten Oracle employees in India has lost their job. The layoffs have hit teams working in software development, cloud services, and customer support the hardest. Many employees were caught off guard, with little information about severance pay or help finding new jobs.

Why Now? The Timing Raises Eyebrows

What makes these layoffs even more controversial is their timing. Just days before the announcement, Oracle’s CEO met with President Trump at the White House. The topics reportedly included hiring more workers in the US, data security, and technology partnerships. Soon after, Oracle revealed a major deal with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. This deal means Oracle will handle huge amounts of AI data on its own servers, mostly in the US.

Many experts believe Oracle is shifting its focus back to the US, possibly in response to political pressure to create more American jobs and rely less on workers from other countries.

Not Just India: Global Cuts Underway

India isn’t the only country affected. Oracle has also let go of employees in the US, Canada, and Mexico. In Seattle alone, over 150 people lost their jobs. In Mexico, the cuts may be as large as those in India. There are also reports of employees in other countries being called into meetings about their future, suggesting more layoffs could be coming.

The Bigger Picture: AI Investments and Cost Cutting

Oracle’s layoffs are part of a larger trend in the tech industry. As companies race to invest in artificial intelligence and build massive data centers, they are cutting jobs elsewhere to save money. Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta (Facebook’s parent company) have all made similar moves this year. Oracle’s new partnership with OpenAI, which is tied to a huge $500 billion project called “Stargate,” requires a lot of resources and investment in the US.

What’s Next for Oracle in India?

For over 20 years, India has been a key part of Oracle’s global operations, providing talent for development, support, and cloud services. The company has even expanded into smaller cities like Jaipur and Bhopal. But these recent layoffs have shaken employee confidence and could impact morale. Meanwhile, Oracle is still hiring in the US, showing a clear shift in focus rather than a total hiring freeze.

In short, Oracle’s big changes reflect the fast-moving world of tech, where companies must constantly adapt to new technologies and global pressures. For many Indian tech workers, however, this news is a tough pill to swallow.


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Wednesday, August 13, 2025

GCCs, Not AI, Are the Real Disruptors Behind Indian IT Layoffs

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5 Key Takeaways

  • GCCs (Global Capability Centres) are reshaping the Indian IT industry by allowing multinational companies to run their own tech operations in India, reducing reliance on traditional IT outsourcing firms.
  • GCCs have grown rapidly, now employing nearly 2 million people and contributing 23% to India’s total IT exports, outpacing the growth of top Indian IT companies.
  • The combination of GCCs and AI is amplifying layoffs by automating tasks internally, reducing outsourced work, and attracting top tech talent away from traditional IT firms.
  • Indian IT companies were slow to recognize the GCC trend, missing early warning signs and now struggling to adapt as clients seek more direct control over their tech operations.
  • To stay relevant, Indian IT firms must reposition as GCC enablers, upskill their workforce for AI-driven roles, and redesign business models to support clients’ in-house tech strategies.

Indian IT Layoffs: Why Global Capability Centres (GCCs) Are a Bigger Threat Than AI

When we hear about layoffs in India’s IT sector, most of us immediately think of Artificial Intelligence (AI) taking over jobs. But there’s another, less talked-about reason that’s shaking up the industry even more: the rise of Global Capability Centres, or GCCs.

What Are GCCs?

GCCs are tech hubs set up by multinational companies (like banks, consumer brands, and tech giants) right here in India. Instead of hiring Indian IT companies like TCS, Infosys, or Wipro to handle their tech needs, these global firms are now building their own teams in India. This means they can control their operations more closely, work better with their teams around the world, and save money in the long run.

In the past, GCCs mostly handled simple back-office tasks like IT support or data entry. But now, they’re taking on advanced work—think AI, cybersecurity, analytics, and research—areas that used to be the bread and butter of Indian IT service companies.

How Big Is This Trend?

GCCs are no longer a small part of the industry. There are now over 1,700 GCCs in India, employing nearly 2 million people. Their revenues have been growing faster than those of the big Indian IT firms, and they now make up almost a quarter of India’s total IT exports. Major companies like UBS, Bank of America, Procter & Gamble, and Citibank are investing heavily in these centres.

Why Are GCCs a Bigger Threat Than AI?

AI is definitely changing the way work is done, especially by automating routine jobs. But GCCs are making an even bigger impact by:

  • Automating tasks within their own teams
  • Reducing the need to outsource work to Indian IT companies
  • Attracting the best tech talent away from traditional IT firms

This double whammy means the old model—where thousands of mid-level coders worked for big IT companies—is disappearing. As a result, we’re seeing more layoffs.

Did Indian IT Companies See This Coming?

There were warning signs as far back as 2015, but most Indian IT firms didn’t take the GCC trend seriously. Now, with remote work and digital transformation speeding things up, GCCs are thriving while traditional IT companies are struggling to keep up.

What’s Next?

For Indian IT companies to stay relevant, they need to:

  1. Help set up and manage GCCs for global clients
  2. Train their employees for high-value, AI-driven roles
  3. Change their business models to suit clients who want more control

In short, while AI is changing the way we work, the real game-changer for Indian IT jobs is the rise of GCCs. The industry must adapt quickly, or risk being left behind.


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