In a major shift toward artificial intelligence (AI)-driven operations, global consulting giant Accenture has reportedly laid off over 11,000 employees worldwide in the past three months. The company stated that the decision was part of its ongoing restructuring efforts to prepare its workforce for the future of automation and AI integration.

According to company insiders, Accenture’s goal is to streamline its global teams and focus on employees who can adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technologies. Those unable to be retrained in new digital and AI-related skills were among the first to be impacted.

“AI is not just a technology shift — it’s a business transformation,” a company spokesperson said. “We are investing heavily in reskilling programs, but employees who cannot transition to AI-related roles will be affected.”

The layoffs come as Accenture increases its investment in AI consulting, automation, and digital transformation services, positioning itself as a leader in helping clients adopt emerging technologies. Experts say this move reflects a broader trend across the tech and consulting industries, where AI proficiency is becoming a key requirement.

Industry analysts believe that this restructuring signals a new era where AI competency will define employability in major firms. While automation promises efficiency and growth, it also brings significant workforce challenges that companies must navigate carefully.

Despite the job cuts, Accenture continues to hire aggressively in areas related to AI strategy, machine learning, and data science, suggesting that the company’s long-term focus remains on building a future-ready, tech-driven workforce.