The technology sector experienced a notable increase in layoffs during April 2025, with over 23,000 job cuts reported. Major companies including Intel, Meta, and Google undertook restructuring efforts aimed at streamlining management, reducing bureaucracy, and adjusting to evolving market conditions. Additionally, the fintech company Bench, which had previously shut down abruptly last year before being acquired by Employer.com in a fire sale, conducted layoffs affecting approximately 10% of its workforce. Despite the layoffs, many of Bench's remaining employees continue to work under month-to-month independent contractor agreements. Employment data indicates a year-over-year decline in tech jobs across several categories: a 2.2% decrease in tech manufacturing, a 1.8% drop in telecommunications and online publishing, and a 0.4% reduction in tech services. These developments have contributed to ongoing challenges in tech employment, particularly impacting the Bay Area as 2025 begins.