Workday, the payroll and HR company based in Pleasanton, announced on Wednesday that it is cutting 8.5 percent of its workforce, citing AI as a key reason to let human employees go.

Pleasanton-based human resources software maker Workday is cutting more than 8% of its workforce, impacting nearly 1,800 workers, as it leans into artificial intelligence.

Workday is cutting about 1,750 jobs, or 8.5% of its workforce. Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach said Wednesday the layoffs were necessary for ongoing growth efforts at the company — including a particular focus on artificial intelligence investments.