As technology and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to redefine workplace operations, several global companies are restructuring their workforces to align with automation, efficiency, and digital transformation. Two major organizations — Acrisure and Accenture — have recently announced significant layoffs tied to their respective technology strategies, underscoring a broader shift in how corporations adapt to automation and AI-driven systems.
Acrisure Announces 400 Layoffs, Citing Technology and Automation
Acrisure announced plans to lay off approximately 400 accounting employees next year as it continues to advance its use of technology and automation. The Grand Rapids, Michigan-based brokerage said the workforce reduction, scheduled to begin in early 2026, represents about 2% of its total staff.
In a statement, the company said the changes are necessary “to remain competitive, strong, and able to deliver what our clients expect from us.” Acrisure added that its ongoing investments in technology and automation are driving systemic change across industries, prompting adjustments to its accounting workforce.
Acrisure is the world’s eighth-largest brokerage, with $3.95 billion in brokerage revenue in 2024. The company employs approximately 19,500 people worldwide, including 14,900 in the United States and 2,000 based in Grand Rapids.
Over the past twelve years, Acrisure has expanded rapidly through hundreds of acquisitions, though the pace of those deals has slowed in the last two years as the company focuses on integrating operations. Earlier in 2025, Acrisure completed a capital raise that valued the company at $32 billion.
Accenture Lays Off 11,000 Staff as Part of AI Reskilling Strategy
Accenture has laid off more than 11,000 employees as part of a company-wide restructuring program tied to its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives. Over the past three months, the consulting firm’s global workforce has been reduced from 791,000 to 779,000.
The company said the restructuring is part of an $865 million efficiency program for the year ahead. Despite the layoffs, Accenture expects its overall employee count to increase in areas such as AI and digital services as it realigns to meet client demand for technology-driven solutions.
As part of its talent strategy, Accenture has introduced AI training for staff and indicated that employees unable to complete the reskilling may be subject to further workforce reductions. CEO Julie Sweet said the company is “exiting on a compressed timeline people where reskilling, based on our experience, is not a viable path for the skills we need.” She added that Accenture is “investing in upskilling our reinventors” as its primary approach to workforce transformation.
To strengthen its learning capabilities, Accenture announced its acquisition of Aidemy Inc., a reskilling specialist. The acquisition is expected to enhance Accenture’s LearnVantage platform and expand its end-to-end AI support — from workforce development to long-term adoption — by leveraging Aidemy’s experience in building and managing AI systems across multiple industries.
In its fourth quarter report, Accenture reported a 7% revenue increase compared to the prior fiscal year, citing client demand for AI-focused services. The company said its “refreshed three-pronged talent strategy” aims to align staffing with future digital and AI consulting needs.
However, after announcing the restructuring, Accenture’s shares dropped 2.7%, marking their lowest point since November 2020. The decline followed investor concerns about the costs associated with the restructuring. The company also noted that government spending reductions — particularly from the Department of Government Efficiency, which has historically accounted for around 8% of Accenture’s revenue — contributed to budget pressures during the year.
In recent months, Accenture has continued to expand its AI capabilities, acquiring NeuraFlash to strengthen its position in Agentic AI and partnering with several organizations to advance expertise in generative AI, data analytics, and digital experience development.
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