Amazon is reportedly set to begin its largest round of corporate layoffs since 2022, with plans to eliminate up to 30,000 positions starting Tuesday, October 28, according to a Reuters report citing people familiar with the matter.
Pandemic Over-Hiring Prompts Restructuring
The move is part of Amazon’s ongoing effort to streamline operations and reduce costs after the company expanded aggressively during the Covid-19 pandemic to meet booming e-commerce demand. While the layoffs represent only a fraction of Amazon’s 1.55 million global workforce, they will affect nearly 10% of its 3.5 lakh corporate employees.
The restructuring underscores Amazon’s shift in focus—from rapid growth to sustained profitability—as it navigates a challenging macroeconomic environment and slowing consumer spending.
Biggest Job Cuts Since 2022
Amazon last carried out large-scale layoffs in late 2022, cutting about 27,000 jobs across divisions. Earlier this month, Fortune reported that the company was preparing to trim up to 15% of its human resources staff, alongside reductions in other departments.
The People eXperience and Technology (PXT) division—Amazon’s HR unit—is expected to be hit the hardest, though parts of its core consumer business may also see workforce reductions.
Managers Trained Ahead of Layoff Announcements
Despite multiple media inquiries, Amazon has declined to comment publicly on the upcoming job cuts. Reuters noted that managers in affected teams received communication training on Monday, ahead of the layoffs, which will reportedly be communicated via email on Tuesday morning.
CEO Andy Jassy Doubles Down on Efficiency and AI
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, who took over from Jeff Bezos in 2021, has earned a reputation as a cost-cutter focused on operational efficiency. He previously led the 2022–23 layoffs and has since emphasized using artificial intelligence (AI) to transform the company’s operations.
In a June companywide email, Jassy encouraged employees to embrace AI, writing:
“Those who learn and apply AI will be well-positioned to help reinvent the company. But there won’t be room on the bus for everyone.”
He added that the company expects efficiency gains from AI adoption to reduce its total corporate headcount over time.
Broader Restructuring Effort Underway
Sources familiar with internal discussions told Fortune that this latest wave of layoffs represents more than just routine workforce trimming—it signals a strategic realignment as Amazon redefines its priorities amid shifting economic and technological trends.
