HP’s Automation Strategy Results in 6,000 Job Eliminations

HP has announced a substantial workforce reduction affecting 4,000 to 6,000 employees worldwide by October 2028, representing approximately one-tenth of its 56,000-person workforce. CEO Enrique Lores characterized the move as necessary for embedding artificial intelligence capabilities throughout the organization to accelerate innovation and enhance customer experiences.
The workforce reductions will primarily target product development, internal operations, and customer support areas. The restructuring requires an upfront investment of $650 million but promises to generate $1 billion in annual savings once completed in 2028. This marks the company’s second significant workforce reduction this year, following the elimination of 1,000 to 2,000 positions in February.
Financial results demonstrate HP’s revenue strength, with fourth-quarter sales totaling $14.6 billion and exceeding analyst projections. The company has successfully captured growing demand for AI-enabled computers, which comprised over 30% of shipments in the quarter concluding October 31. This market segment continues experiencing robust growth as technology adoption accelerates.
Despite revenue success, HP’s profit outlook concerned market analysts. The company forecasts adjusted net earnings between $2.90 and $3.20 per share for the coming year, substantially below the consensus estimate of $3.33. Soaring memory chip prices driven by datacenter demand for AI infrastructure have pushed memory costs to 15-18% of PC production expenses. Trade tariffs further constrain profitability.
Investors reacted unfavorably, sending HP shares down 6% following the announcement. The company’s strategy exemplifies widespread industry trends as organizations increasingly leverage artificial intelligence and automation technologies to optimize operations and reduce costs, fundamentally reshaping employment across the technology sector.