Amazon lays off 16,000 employees in new round of job cuts

Amazon.com Inc. has announced significant layoffs, affecting approximately 16,000 positions as part of a broader organizational restructuring initiative. This move aims to simplify decision-making processes, enhance ownership, and reduce hierarchical layers within the company. These latest job reductions come on the heels of previous layoffs in October, which impacted around 14,000 employees. According to Beth Galetti, Amazon’s senior vice president of people experience and technology, some teams had not completed their restructuring until now, leading to the current round of cuts. In a memo to staff, Galetti emphasized that the company is committed to supporting those affected by the layoffs. Employees in the U.S. whose roles are being eliminated will have a 90-day period to seek alternative positions within the organization, while international timelines will vary in accordance with local regulations. For those who choose not to pursue new roles or are unable to find one, Amazon will offer transition assistance, including severance pay, outplacement services, and applicable health insurance benefits. Despite these layoffs, Amazon intends to continue hiring and investing in key strategic areas crucial to its future growth. Galetti reassured employees that the company does not foresee a pattern of regular large-scale layoffs, stating, "While we’re making these changes, we’ll also continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future." She added that teams will continually evaluate their operational efficiency and capacity for innovation to better serve customers, indicating that adjustments will be made as necessary.