Amazon is cutting 16,000 corporate roles in its biggest layoffs yet, shifting focus to AI, efficiency and closing unprofitable ventures.
Seattle: Amazon has confirmed it is cutting 16,000 corporate jobs, completing a total of around 30,000 cuts since October 2025 as part of a broader effort to streamline operations, reduce bureaucracy and accelerate adoption of artificial intelligence across its business.
The cuts primarily affect Amazon’s corporate workforce, representing nearly 10 percent of non‑warehouse staff. The company also confirmed the closure of its remaining Amazon Fresh grocery stores and Go markets, as well as the discontinuation of the Amazon One biometric payment system. These moves come as part of CEO Andy Jassy’s strategy to focus on higher‑value areas and exit underperforming businesses.
Amazon previously announced 14,000 job cuts in October 2025, citing shifting business priorities and the growing role of AI tools in automating tasks. Although the total of 30,000 layoffs is a small share of Amazon’s global workforce of about 1.58 million, it marks the largest reduction in the company’s three‑decade history.
Beth Galetti, Amazon’s top human resources executive, said the cuts are aimed at “reducing layers, increasing ownership, and removing bureaucracy” to make the company stronger. She also suggested that some teams may continue to undergo adjustments, though broad layoffs every few months are not planned.
The restructuring has impacted employees across divisions including Amazon Web Services, Alexa, Prime Video, devices, advertising, Kindle and supply chain roles. An internal email that referred to the layoffs as “Project Dawn” was mistakenly sent to some staff, creating unease among employees.
Analysts say the job reductions highlight how AI adoption is reshaping corporate workforce dynamics, as advanced tools take on tasks ranging from routine administrative work to complex coding. CEO Jassy had previously indicated that increased use of AI could lead to automation of certain duties and potential job losses.
Other major technology companies such as Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Pinterest and logistics firms like UPS and ASML have also recently announced staff cuts, reflecting broader industry restructuring after a pandemic‑driven hiring surge.
Amazon’s investments in robotics at its warehouses aim to speed packaging and deliveries while reducing reliance on human labour, another factor in reshaping its workforce. Shares in the company were down over 2 percent following the announcement.
