Amazon Job Cuts: Thousands of Roles on the Line as Company Plans 30,000 Layoffs

Amazon, the world’s biggest online retailer and cloud-services company, is preparing to cut up to 30,000 corporate jobs in a wave of layoffs that could begin as soon as next week. This move marks one of the largest workforce reductions in the company’s history. This story matters because Amazon employs more than 1.5 million people worldwide. While most of its workforce is in warehouses and delivery networks, a cut of 30,000 jobs in corporate roles sends ripples through the global tech industry and labour market.

What Amazon Announced

• Second Round of Layoffs: Amazon is planning a second round of layoffs in early 2026 after cutting ~14,000 corporate roles in October.
• Total Cuts Could Reach 30,000: The latest layoffs could match October’s scale and push the total to about 30,000 jobs.
• No Detailed Public Statement Yet: Amazon has not officially shared full details; most info comes from sources familiar with the plans.
• Mainly Corporate Roles Affected: Cuts focus mostly on corporate and office staff, not warehouse workers.
• Affected Units: AWS, retail divisions, Prime Video, and People Experience & Technology teams are expected to be impacted.
• Layoff Timeline: Notifications may start via email, with layoffs possibly beginning as early as the last week of January.

Why Amazon Is Cutting Jobs

• Overhiring During Pandemic: Amazon expanded fast during COVID-19 due to high demand for online shopping and cloud services. Now growth has slowed, forcing adjustments.
• Efficiency Push by CEO: Andy Jassy has focused on efficiency, reducing bureaucracy, and simplifying teams for faster decision-making.
• AI and Automation Impact: AI tools are taking over routine tasks. Amazon says AI is changing the need for some roles.
• Market and Economic Slowdown: Tech sector growth has slowed, so companies are cutting costs and shifting investment to AI and cloud infrastructure.

Who Will Be Most Affected

• Corporate Workers at Risk: Layoffs target mainly corporate professionals and white-collar staff.
• Near 10% of Corporate Workforce: Nearly 10% of Amazon’s corporate workforce may be cut.
• Affected Teams: AWS, HR, retail, and media units like Prime Video are likely to face cuts.
• Global Impact: Most affected roles are in the US, India, Europe, and major Amazon tech hubs.
• India’s Share: In earlier rounds, India saw around 800–1,000 corporate jobs affected.
• Warehouse Staff Not Included: Most fulfillment center and delivery staff are not part of this layoff wave.

Impact on Amazon’s Future

• Efficiency First: Amazon aims to run leaner to cut costs and speed up decisions.
• More Automation: AI and automation investments could reshape teams, especially in AWS and logistics.
• Morale Risk: Big layoffs can lower employee morale and create uncertainty.
• Reputation Impact: Job cuts may affect Amazon’s employer image and hiring power.
• Investor Reaction: Investors may like cost cuts, but will watch for effects on growth and innovation.

Wider Tech Industry Impact

• Industry-wide Trend: Many tech companies are trimming staff after rapid pandemic-era expansion.
• Automation Changing Jobs: Companies are cutting roles as automation and cloud tech reshape skills demand.
• Tougher Job Market: This may lead to more competition for tech and corporate roles across the market.

Conclusion

Amazon’s plan to cut roughly 30,000 corporate jobs is a major turn in the company’s workforce strategy. It reflects broader trends in tech, changes in how companies use AI, and shifts in global economic conditions.

We will continue to monitor this story as Amazon releases more details and as workers, industry leaders, and the market react to these changes.

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Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.