Author: Maya Singh

France has introduced a new paid parental leave system aimed at providing working parents with greater flexibility while responding to the country’s declining birth rate. Under the updated policy, both parents will be entitled to additional paid parental leave alongside existing maternity, paternity and adoption leave. Parents will have the option to take the leave either at the same time or separately, allowing families greater flexibility during the first months after a child’s birth or adoption. The revised rules will apply to children born or adopted from 2026 onwards. Policy Aims to Support Working Families The new parental leave framework…

Volkswagen is reportedly considering a major restructuring plan that could result in the elimination of up to 100,000 jobs and the closure of four manufacturing plants in Germany, according to multiple media reports. The proposed measures are part of the automaker’s efforts to address growing competitive and financial challenges. If approved, the restructuring would more than double the scale of an earlier cost-cutting proposal that reportedly involved around 50,000 job reductions. With a global workforce of more than 657,000 employees, the reported plan could affect nearly one in six workers, making it one of the largest industrial restructuring efforts in…

India’s leading information technology companies significantly expanded employee learning and development initiatives during FY26, with most major firms reporting a sharp increase in training hours as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes central to workforce transformation strategies. According to annual reports from leading IT services companies, organisations are investing heavily in AI-focused upskilling programmes to prepare employees for evolving technology roles. The focus has shifted from basic AI awareness to developing practical expertise in building, deploying and managing AI-powered applications. Among the largest IT firms, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) reported that average learning hours per employee increased by more than 25%, rising…

Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek is preparing to significantly expand its workforce as it scales its operations amid reports of a major fundraising round expected to support its next phase of growth. The Hangzhou-based company has announced plans to at least double the size of every department, with hiring expected to focus primarily on engineering, research and other technical roles. The recruitment drive is intended to strengthen the company’s AI research capabilities, product development and infrastructure as competition in the global AI market continues to intensify. The expansion comes as DeepSeek is reportedly close to completing a funding round valued…

Oracle reduced its global workforce by approximately 21,000 employees during fiscal 2026 as the company accelerated artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and implemented a broader business restructuring, according to its annual report filed on June 22, 2026. The filing shows Oracle’s employee count declined to 141,000 as of May 31, 2026, compared with 162,000 employees a year earlier, representing a 13% year-on-year decrease. In its annual report, Oracle said the growing use of AI technologies across its operations is expected to continue influencing workforce requirements. The company noted that increased adoption and deployment of AI solutions could lead to further changes…

Engineering and infrastructure company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu government to invest ₹18,600 crore in the state through three major projects that are expected to generate more than 8,200 employment opportunities. The agreement was signed at the State Secretariat on June 4 in the presence of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan, senior state ministers and government officials. According to officials, the agreement marks one of the major industrial investment commitments announced under the current administration. The largest investment under the MoU is a ₹15,000 crore data…

Google has introduced a new incubator programme designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) startups founded by former employees, reinforcing its long-term engagement with its global alumni network and expanding its investment in AI innovation. The initiative is backed by Google’s AI Futures Fund and is aimed at helping early-stage AI ventures founded by ex-Googlers develop and scale their businesses. The programme reflects a broader trend among technology companies to maintain strategic relationships with former employees who become entrepreneurs, investors and technology leaders. The incubator will run for 12 weeks, offering participating startups access to technical resources, mentorship and financial support.…

The experience of a former Meta employee has renewed discussions about how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping careers in the technology sector and changing expectations around job stability. According to reports, 24-year-old data scientist Moyan Chen lost her job at Meta in May 2026 after spending less than a year with the company. Chen reportedly said the layoff was difficult but also brought a sense of relief after months of uncertainty surrounding potential job cuts. Reports indicate that speculation about layoffs had been circulating within the company since March. Employees were said to be particularly anxious about possible announcements during…

Google has announced a $50 million investment to expand skilled trades training across the United States, with the goal of preparing more than 300,000 workers for careers in industries facing growing labour shortages. The initiative will support apprenticeship and workforce-development programmes operated by organisations across more than 20 states. The funding is expected to strengthen training pathways in trades including electrical work, welding, pipefitting, sheet metal, manufacturing, and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVACR). According to Google, the programme will provide resources to training providers working in collaboration with 14 labour unions and four trade and contractor associations. The…

Reports indicate that Microsoft is undertaking a major restructuring of its Xbox gaming division, with several studios facing potential closures, sales, or other ownership changes as part of a broader strategic shift. According to reports, studios including Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games are among those affected. The restructuring is also said to include job reductions across several functions, including investment, operations, technology, and private credit roles. Ninja Theory, known for the Hellblade franchise, has reportedly been informed of plans to close the studio, although efforts are said to be underway to find a potential buyer. The development has…