In a major second round of layoffs in three months, Amazon has informed that the firm would be cutting 16,000 jobs worldwide.
The latest job cuts come as part of the restructuring after pandemic-era over-hiring and increasing adoption of artificial intelligence tools.
It was earlier reported by Reuters that Amazon was planning a second round of job cuts as part of a broader goal of trimming about 30,000 corporate roles. The layoffs are expected to affect workers in Amazon Web Services, retail, Prime Video and human resources departments.
"Some of you might ask if this is the beginning of a new rhythm where we announce broad reductions every few months. That's not our plan," said Beth Galetti, senior vice president of people experience and technology at Amazon, to Reuters.
Earlier, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stressed the need for the company to eliminate excessive bureaucracy by trimming operational levels and reducing the number of managers.
The layoffs also underscore how AI is changing corporate workforce dynamics.
Most US-based employees affected by the decision will be given 90 days to explore internal job opportunities, while those unable to secure new roles will receive severance pay, healthcare benefits, and outplacement support, the company said.
" While we’re making these changes, we’ll also continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future. We’re still in the early stages of building every one of our businesses and there’s significant opportunity ahead," said Beth Galetti.
Meanwhile, package delivery company United Parcel Service recently announced the decision to eliminate up to 30,000 jobs and shut another 24 facilities in 2026.