In a recent report by Reuters, it has been revealed that Amazon is gearing up for a substantial wave of layoffs, starting on Tuesday, that could affect as many as 30,000 corporate jobs. This decision comes as the e-commerce and web services giant, which also owns Amazon MGM Studios and Prime Video, continues to streamline operations after a period of over-hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The impending layoffs are expected to span multiple divisions within the company. If the cuts do reach the projected figures, they would represent approximately 10% of Amazon's corporate workforce, which stands at around 350,000 employees. While this number is significant, it is worth noting that Amazon's total global workforce exceeds 1.5 million, a majority of which comprises warehouse employees.
According to Reuters, these upcoming layoffs will mark the largest round of job cuts at Amazon since late 2022, when the company eliminated around 27,000 jobs. In preparation for the layoffs, managers at Amazon have undergone training on how to effectively communicate with staff ahead of the delivery of pink slips, which are expected to begin arriving in employee inboxes on Tuesday morning.
This latest wave of layoffs follows a series of job reductions at Amazon over the past year. In August, the company reorganized its audio divisions, resulting in the layoff of more than 100 workers and a significant reduction in the scope of its Wondery studio. Additionally, in January 2024, Amazon let go of several hundred employees across Prime Video and Amazon Studios as part of a broader business review.
As Amazon continues to adjust its workforce in response to changing market dynamics, the company remains focused on optimizing its operations. While the layoffs represent a challenging time for many employees, they are part of Amazon's larger strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and growth in the competitive landscape of e-commerce and digital services. Amazon representatives were not immediately available for comment regarding these layoffs.
