Nokia Plans Major Global Restructuring, May Cut Over 14,000 Jobs
Finnish telecommunications giant Nokia is reportedly planning to implement a significant global restructuring plan that could result in the elimination of thousands of jobs over time. According to a report by Money Control, the company is considering reducing its global workforce of approximately 74,000 employees by a substantial 20%. This translates to more than 14,000 roles being potentially cut, with the job reductions expected to impact Nokia's operations in India, which employs over 17,000 people.
Global Restructuring Amid Declining Performance
The layoffs are said to be part of a major global restructuring initiative aimed at streamlining operations and reducing costs. This development comes at a time when numerous global technology companies have announced job cuts in response to slowing demand and increasing cost pressures. Nokia's India business has also reported a decline in performance, further necessitating the need for restructuring to maintain competitiveness in the market.
Impact on Nokia India Operations
As per the Moneycontrol report, Nokia has already begun preparations for layoffs in India as part of its broader restructuring efforts. The company is also implementing leadership changes within the country. The Finnish tech firm has appointed Samar Mittal to the role of India Country Business Leader, while Vibha Mehra is set to become India Country Manager, effective April 1, 2026. These leadership shifts follow the departure of Tarun Chhabra from his position as the former head of India.
The restructuring is anticipated to affect multiple teams, including global and common functions. The report noted that Nokia's earlier merger of Cloud and Network Services with Mobile Networks in 2023 may have created overlapping roles, which could now be reduced to improve efficiency and eliminate redundancy.
Declining Financial Performance in India
Nokia's performance in India has weakened in recent months, adding urgency to the restructuring plans. The company reported a 15 percent year-on-year drop in net sales to 393 million euros in the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to 463 million euros in the same period last year. This decline highlights the challenges faced by the company in a competitive market environment.
Broader Trends in the Tech Industry
Globally, Nokia's workforce has been declining over the years, from around 103,000 employees in 2018 to about 74,100 currently. Reports also suggest that the company may cut jobs in parts of Europe as part of this restructuring. The move aligns with a broader trend in the technology industry, where major companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, and Google have announced layoffs in recent months due to economic uncertainties and shifting market dynamics.
In summary, Nokia's planned job cuts and restructuring reflect a strategic response to both internal performance issues and external industry pressures, with significant implications for its global and Indian operations.
