Amazon Prepares to Layoff Nearly 30,000 Employees Starting Next Week: Report

As per Reuters' report, Amazon is preparing a fresh round of corporate job reductions next week, aiming to eliminate nearly 30,000 white-collar roles as per sources, as part of its ongoing workforce restructuring efforts.  

This move will impact various departments including Amazon Web Services, retail, Prime Video, and human resources. 

Job Cuts to Impact Key Business Units 

As per report, this follows an initial round in October 2025, where approximately 14,000 roles were cut. The remaining reductions are expected to bring the total figure close to the originally reported target. 

Divisions affected include Amazon Web Services (AWS), the retail business, Prime Video, and the human resources department, known internally as People Experience and Technology. While the exact number may shift, insiders suggest the count this time will be similar to the October total. 

Amazon’s representatives have not provided official commentary regarding the upcoming layoff plan. However, internal signals suggest the move aligns with ongoing organisational changes within the company. 

Previous Round Linked to Efficiency and Culture Shift 

In October 2025, Amazon had already let go of approximately 14,000 white-collar roles. At the time, the company cited the influence of AI tools speeding up operations and innovation. 

However, CEO Andy Jassy later noted that the decision was more influenced by the need to reduce internal bureaucracy and enhance company culture rather than being driven by financial or AI-related reasons. 

Jassy observed that the company had accumulated too many staff members and organisational layers, making work processes more complex. With AI contributing to task automation, the company saw an opportunity to streamline operations. 

Read More: AI and Semiconductor Manufacturing to Drive Job Growth in India by 2030: MeitY Secretary! 

Largest Layoff in Amazon's History 

The full set of 30,000 job cuts represents about 10% of Amazon’s corporate workforce, although it accounts for a small portion of the overall employee base, which stands at nearly 15,80,000. Most Amazon employees work in fulfilment centres and warehouses, which are not expected to be affected by this wave of layoffs. 

Employees affected during the October layoffs were kept on the company’s payroll for 90 days to allow internal reapplications or alternate job searches. That grace period is set to end on January 27, 2026, the same day the new round of layoffs is expected to start. 

Conclusion 

Amazon is preparing for a significant restructuring of its corporate workforce by laying off nearly 30,000 employees. This step, building upon initial cuts made in October 2025, is driven by the company's focus on reducing internal complexity and adapting to efficiency gains enabled by AI and organisational optimisation. 

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