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Amazon Cuts 16,000 Corporate Jobs in Second Round of Layoffs

Executives say the restructuring aims to cut layers, remove bureaucracy, speed decisions as AI reshapes work.

Overview

  • The announcement follows October reductions of about 14,000 roles, bringing recent corporate cuts to roughly 30,000.
  • Teams affected span Amazon Web Services, retail operations, Prime Video and human resources, with changes centered on office staff rather than fulfillment workers.
  • Most U.S.-based employees will have 90 days to seek internal roles, with severance, outplacement services and health benefits available for those who do not transition; timing varies by country.
  • A calendar invite and draft email referencing the plan as “Project Dawn” were mistakenly sent to AWS staff before the news, a message signed by executive Colleen Aubrey that Amazon said was shared in error.
  • Leaders say recurring mass reductions are not planned, and the company will continue hiring in strategic areas including AI-focused initiatives.