SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 27–Amazon Layoffs: Amazon is reportedly preparing for one of its largest workforce reductions in years, with plans to cut as many as 30,000 corporate jobs starting Tuesday. According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, the decision comes as part of the company’s ongoing effort to streamline operations, reduce costs, and correct the overhiring that took place during the pandemic boom.
Largest Corporate Job Cut Since 2022
While the 30,000 job cuts represent only a small portion of Amazon’s massive global workforce of 1.55 million employees, they make up nearly 10% of its 350,000 corporate staff. This move could mark Amazon’s biggest layoff since late 2022, when around 27,000 employees were let go across various departments.
An Amazon spokesperson has declined to comment on the new wave of layoffs. However, insiders suggest the company has been gradually reducing staff over the past two years in several areas, including its devices, communications, podcasting, and operations divisions.
Departments Affected by the Latest Layoffs
Sources say that the upcoming job cuts may impact a wide range of departments, including:
- Human Resources (People Experience and Technology)
- Devices and Services
- Operations and Logistics
- Corporate Support Teams
On Monday, managers within the affected teams reportedly underwent training sessions to prepare for how to communicate the layoff news to employees. Official notifications are expected to be sent via email starting Tuesday morning.
Andy Jassy’s Push to Reduce Bureaucracy
Since taking over as CEO, Andy Jassy has focused on reducing what he describes as “excess bureaucracy” within Amazon. His strategy includes cutting down management layers, streamlining decision-making, and improving operational efficiency across the organization.
To identify inefficiencies, Jassy introduced an anonymous feedback system, allowing employees to report unnecessary processes or obstacles. According to Jassy, this system has generated over 1,500 internal responses and resulted in more than 450 process changes so far.
AI and Automation Fueling Job Reductions
Earlier this year, Jassy hinted that the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) tools could lead to additional job cuts. He noted that AI has the potential to automate repetitive and routine tasks, reducing the need for certain corporate roles over time.
Amazon has already begun leveraging AI to streamline its logistics, customer service, and internal management systems. While this has improved efficiency, it has also raised concerns about the future of traditional office jobs within the company.
Focus on Financial Discipline and Long-Term Growth
The latest Amazon layoffs are part of a broader cost-control effort as the company faces a shifting global economy and cooling consumer demand. During the pandemic, Amazon expanded aggressively to meet the surge in online shopping, hiring tens of thousands of workers. But with post-pandemic stabilization, that rapid expansion has left the company with higher operating costs and excess capacity in several areas.
According to people familiar with Amazon’s internal discussions, the final number of layoffs could still change depending on the company’s financial priorities. The human resources division, in particular, is expected to see reductions of up to 15%, as first reported by Fortune.
Amazon Stock and Upcoming Earnings Report
Despite the looming layoffs, Amazon’s shares rose 1.2% on Monday, closing at $226.80. Investors appear optimistic about the company’s focus on profitability and efficiency.
Amazon is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings on Thursday, and analysts will be watching closely to see how these job cuts align with the company’s financial performance and long-term strategy.
Global Impact of Amazon Layoffs
While these layoffs are concentrated in corporate roles, the ripple effects could be felt across Amazon’s global operations. Many of the company’s innovation hubs, including those in Seattle, New York, London, and Bengaluru, are likely to experience workforce changes.
Industry analysts believe Amazon’s move reflects a broader trend among Big Tech companies, which have increasingly turned to automation, AI, and cost-cutting measures to maintain profitability amid slower growth. Companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft have also reduced headcount in the past two years for similar reasons.
Employee Reactions and Future Outlook
Internally, news of another major layoff wave has sparked anxiety among Amazon employees, especially after years of continuous restructuring. Some workers have expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding which teams will be most affected.
Still, Amazon continues to hire selectively in high-growth areas such as cloud computing (AWS), advertising, and artificial intelligence. These divisions remain central to the company’s long-term business strategy and revenue growth.
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Conclusion: Amazon’s Balancing Act Between Efficiency and Innovation
The upcoming Amazon layoffs underscore the company’s ongoing challenge of balancing financial discipline with innovation. As CEO Andy Jassy continues to reshape Amazon’s corporate structure, the focus remains on efficiency, automation, and sustainable growth.
With AI adoption accelerating and global markets evolving, Amazon’s workforce strategy will likely continue to shift — redefining what the world’s largest e-commerce and cloud giant looks like in the years ahead.
