Flatter Orgs, AI Squeeze Out Junior Staffers
CIO Dive, Thursday, June 25th, 2026
Big tech cut hiring of workers with under a year of experience by 65% since 2019 amid AI and flatter orgs.
At major tech firms like Microsoft, Alphabet, and Amazon, recruitment of workers with under one year of experience fell 65% from 2019, far exceeding the 25% overall hiring contraction.
Engineering managers now oversee 12 engineers versus 10 in 2019, reflecting AI-driven restructuring.
Skills complementary to current AI tools, such as business judgment, require experience rather than fresh credentials.
Experts warn that neglecting early-career development risks a short supply of future staff engineers, principal engineers, leaders, and founders.
Tech layoffs exceeded 123,000 roles in the first five months of 2026, up 66% year-over-year.