SEATTLE (GeokHub) — Amazon has confirmed it is cutting 16,000 corporate jobs globally, bringing the total number of positions eliminated since October to about 30,000, marking the largest workforce reduction in the company’s three-decade history.
The move comes as Chief Executive Andy Jassy continues a broad restructuring aimed at trimming bureaucracy, streamlining management layers, and winding down businesses that have failed to meet performance expectations. While the company said the current round completes its previously outlined plan, executives left open the possibility of further reductions.
Largest Corporate Layoffs in Amazon’s History
Although Amazon employs more than 1.58 million people worldwide—mostly in warehouses and fulfillment centers—the cuts represent nearly 10% of its corporate workforce. The scale surpasses the roughly 27,000 jobs eliminated between late 2022 and early 2023.
The affected roles span multiple divisions, including Amazon Web Services, Alexa, Prime Video, advertising, devices, and last-mile delivery operations. The company began the latest round earlier this week after announcing it would shut down its remaining physical Fresh grocery stores and Go markets, ending years of experimentation in brick-and-mortar retail.
Amazon also confirmed it is discontinuing its Amazon One palm-scanning biometric payment system.
Focus on Efficiency and Automation
Amazon’s chief human resources executive said the job cuts were necessary to strengthen the company by reducing internal complexity, increasing accountability, and removing unnecessary layers of management. She noted that some teams may continue to adjust staffing levels as business needs evolve.
Executives have repeatedly pointed to artificial intelligence as a major factor reshaping the company’s workforce. Improvements in AI tools are allowing tasks ranging from administrative work to advanced software development to be completed more efficiently, reducing the need for large corporate teams.
Jassy previously said that increased automation would inevitably lead to fewer corporate roles over time.
Layoff Confusion and Employee Uncertainty
The restructuring effort briefly sparked confusion this week after an internal email referencing the layoffs—internally dubbed “Project Dawn”—was mistakenly sent to some employees ahead of official notifications. The message unsettled workers across several divisions before meetings were abruptly canceled.
Amazon has acknowledged it overhired during the COVID-19 pandemic, when demand for online shopping surged and corporate teams expanded rapidly.
Industry-Wide Shift
Amazon’s move reflects a broader trend across the technology sector. Companies including Meta, Microsoft, UPS, Pinterest, and ASML have all announced workforce reductions in recent weeks as businesses recalibrate after years of aggressive hiring.
Despite the cuts, Amazon shares edged higher in pre-market trading ahead of the company’s upcoming quarterly earnings report.
