Workday layoffs: California-based company lays off 1,750 employees, 8.5% of its workforce in favor of artificial intelligence [Video]

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Workday is cutting about 1,750 jobs, or 8.5% of its workforce.

In a Wednesday memo to employees, published in a securities filing, Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach said the layoffs were necessary for ongoing growth efforts at the company – including a particular focus on artificial intelligence investments.

“As we start our new fiscal year, we’re at a pivotal moment,” Eschenbach wrote. “Companies everywhere are reimagining how work gets done, and the increasing demand for AI has the potential to drive a new era of growth for Workday.”

Workday aims to notify the majority of employees affected by the cuts on Wednesday. “I realize this is tough news, and it affects all of us,” Eschenbach added – encouraging employees to work from or head home for the day.

The maker of human resources software also disclosed that it expects to exit certain office space, but didn’t specify a timeline or which …