India, May 23 -- The recent IBM's extensive workforce reductions, reportedly impacting close to 8,000 employees primarily within its human resources division, have sent ripples through the tech industry. While the focus remains on sheer number, a deeper analytical dive reveals a strategic, albeit sometimes bumpy, pivot by the venerable tech giant. This is not merely about cost-cutting; it's a stark illustration of how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping organisational structures and redefining the very nature of work.

The immediate cause of these specific layoffs points directly to IBM's aggressive push for AI-driven efficiency. The company rolled out its proprietary AI platform, AskHR, designed to automate repetitive...