Technology giant IBM has announced plans to reduce its global workforce this quarter, as part of a restructuring move expected to impact thousands of employees worldwide.

The company said the reduction would amount to a “low single-digit percentage” of its 270,000 employees as of the end of 2024, according to a report by Reuters.

The layoffs, first reported by Bloomberg News, come as the US-based firm seeks to refocus on its higher-margin software operations and its Red Hat division. The restructuring is part of IBM’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the rapidly expanding markets for cloud computing and artificial intelligence.

IBM stated that while some jobs in the United States may be eliminated, overall employment levels in the country are expected to remain stable. The company did not disclose specific numbers or identify which regions or departments would be most affected.

The decision follows a slowdown in growth within IBM’s cloud software segment, which has raised concerns among investors despite the company’s ongoing efforts to shift away from legacy infrastructure services.

Under Chief Executive Arvind Krishna, IBM has been steadily transforming its business model, emphasising hybrid cloud services and AI-driven solutions as key revenue drivers.

The company acquired open-source software provider Red Hat in 2019 to bolster its cloud strategy and has since sought to streamline operations and improve profitability.

Industry analysts say the latest job cuts underscore the competitive pressures facing traditional technology firms as they adapt to fast-changing digital markets dominated by newer cloud and AI players.