nother day, another dozen layoff memos. Meta, Microsoft, Stripe, Wayfair, Starbucks, CNN… the list keeps growing. The reasons? “Restructuring,” “strategic alignment,” or the classic: “efficiency through AI.”

Let’s cut the corporate-speak. What’s happening is consolidation. These companies are swapping people for platforms, and spinning it as innovation. But real innovation doesn’t leave thousands jobless without a plan.

If you’re a small business owner or leader, here’s your edge: treat people like they matter. Offer stability. Build community. In a world hooked on quarterly wins, you’ll stand out by building something that lasts.

Business Insider has a running list of 2025 layoffs if you want to see who’s on it.