Verizon to Cut Jobs, Shift Roles as AI Reshapes Work

Verizon's chief executive announced a new round of layoffs and a plan to reshape job roles as the company expands use of artificial intelligence across its operations.

The company will reduce headcount in specific areas while investing in training and redeploying employees into AI-related functions. Executives said the effort is meant to align staffing with increasing use of AI tools for network management, customer support and software development.

Verizon described automation and generative AI as intended to take over routine, repetitive tasks and to create demand for roles focused on AI oversight, data engineering and software integration. The company plans a mix of targeted cuts, voluntary separation options and reskilling programs.

Leaders said they will prioritize moving workers into roles that require skills in machine learning model monitoring, data analytics, cloud operations and cybersecurity. Verizon also plans to expand internal training and form partnerships with educational providers to help employees gain those skills.

The company indicated some layoffs will occur in areas where AI and automation can replace manual work, including portions of customer service and certain network operations tasks. At the same time, Verizon expects to hire or retrain staff for positions that support AI deployment and maintenance, such as AI quality assurance, model governance and systems integration.

Verizon intends to offer severance packages and transition support for affected employees, including outplacement services and targeted reskilling stipends. Company spokespeople said managers are expected to work with impacted staff on redeployment opportunities and that internal openings will be considered before external hires. The timeline for the layoffs and the number of positions affected were not disclosed.

“We expect many current roles to evolve as AI handles routine tasks, but people will be needed to design, monitor and improve these systems,” the CEO said.

Industry analysts note telecommunications firms are investing in automation to reduce operating expenses and speed service delivery, and Verizon's plan follows similar moves by other large carriers. The company has previously invested in software-defined networks and cloud-native platforms, and executives described the layoffs as part of ongoing modernization efforts.

Background: Verizon has periodically restructured its workforce in response to competitive pressures and technology trends. The company said it will provide further details to employees and regulators as the plan advances and will continue to report workforce developments in its regular corporate filings.