Cognizant employed fewer people in North America in 2018

Cognizant employed fewer people in North America at the end of 2018 than the previous year, and the IT services company significantly expanded its risk factor related to talent and highlighted the need to retain senior executives.

The drop in US headcount comes even as the Teaneck, New Jersey-headquartered company has said it is looking hire 25,000 US workers in the next five years.

At the end of 2018, Cognizant said it employed about 50,000 people in North America, down from 50,400 at the end of 2017. The drop comes as the company has said it is focusing on hiring significantly in US market to service clients. Headcount growth increased substantially in Europe. Cognizant employed about 18,300 people in that continent, up from 13,800 in the previous year. In India headcount rose to about 194,700, up from 180,000 in the previous year.