Amazon announces global layoffs of 16,000 roles as part of ongoing organisational restructuring, focusing on AI and leaner operations.

Amazon has announced another large-scale round of layoffs, reducing approximately 16,000 positions worldwide, marking its second major workforce reduction in just three months. This adds to nearly 30,000 jobs eliminated over the past year, reflecting a broader organisational restructuring at the e-commerce giant.

The news came via an internal note from Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology at Amazon, who explained the rationale behind the move and its implications for employees and the company’s long-term strategy.

A Planned Restructuring Finally Implemented

Galetti stressed that the layoffs are not a sudden reaction, but the continuation of a restructuring process that began months ago. While some teams completed their organisational adjustments in October, others had delayed reviews, which have now translated into job reductions.

She wrote, “We’re making additional organisational changes across Amazon that will impact some of our teammates. I recognise this is difficult news, which is why I’m sharing what’s happening and why.”

The aim, according to Galetti, is to flatten Amazon’s hierarchy, reduce bureaucracy, increase ownership, and streamline decision-making across teams.

Reassessing Pandemic Hiring and Strategic Priorities

During the pandemic, Amazon expanded aggressively to meet the surge in online shopping and digital demand. As growth stabilised, the company has been recalibrating its workforce to align with current needs.

This follows 14,000 job cuts by the end of 2025 and 27,000 layoffs in 2023, highlighting a continued effort to adjust the company’s size after years of rapid expansion.

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Simultaneously, Amazon is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and other strategic initiatives, directing resources toward areas critical for future growth. Galetti noted, “While we’re making these changes, we’ll continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future.”

Support for Affected Employees

Amazon is providing support for employees impacted by the layoffs, especially in the United States. Measures include a 90-day period to apply for internal roles, as well as transition benefits for those unable or unwilling to move into new positions.

Galetti explained, “For teammates who are unable to find a new role or choose not to, we’ll provide transition support including severance pay, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits.”

Is This the New Normal?

The frequency of layoffs has raised concerns about long-term stability. Galetti addressed these questions directly, stating that broad reductions every few months are not the plan, but teams will continue to evaluate structure and efficiency to better serve customers in a rapidly changing environment.

She concluded on an appreciative note, saying, “I’m grateful for how our teams continue to deliver – for customers, for each other, and for the incredible things we’re building together.”

For Amazon, this round of layoffs appears less about crisis management and more about creating a leaner, faster organisation, focused on long-term strategic priorities such as AI and technology-driven growth.