Amazon cuts have once again made global headlines. In a second round of mass job cuts, the company confirmed a further 16,000 corporate jobs would be removed as part of ongoing organisational changes that began in October.
In this blog we will look at what the cuts are, why they are happening, what that means for employers and employees and how Mexa solutions can help you adapt in your role.
Why Amazon Is Cutting Jobs Again
While 30,000 total job cuts represent a small portion of Amazon’s 1.58 million global workforce, they account for nearly 10% of the corporate population, marking the largest reduction in the company’s history. Previous cuts between late 2022 and early 2023 affected 27,000 roles.
Amazon Senior Vice President Beth Galetti explained that these changes aim to:
- Streamline the organisation by removing layers of management
- Increase individual ownership
- Reduce bureaucracy
The cuts affect corporate functions, including Amazon Web Services, Amazon Go, and Amazon Fresh, but frontline warehouse roles remain largely untouched. Some reductions also occur through natural attrition.
Beth Galetti, Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, said the changes are aimed at streamlining the organisation by removing layers, increasing individual ownership, and cutting back on bureaucracy. The goal, she explained, is to enable teams to work faster with clearer accountability.
The decision has been driven by several factors, including a correction following rapid hiring during the pandemic, growing reliance on artificial intelligence, a renewed effort to simplify internal processes, and the need to manage costs while continuing to invest in key growth areas.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
AI sits at the centre of Amazon’s restructuring strategy. CEO Andy Jassy has repeatedly stated that artificial intelligence is changing how work gets done across the company.
Amazon has also confirmed that AI tools now handle tasks once assigned to larger teams, particularly in planning, analytics, and internal operations. This shift has directly influenced the scale of the layoff and the reduction of corporate roles.
While Amazon layoffs raise concerns, the company maintains that it will keep hiring and investing in strategic areas, particularly in AI development, cloud infrastructure, and logistics technology.
What Amazon Said About the Job Cuts
Amazon said the cuts would not stop investment across the business. According to internal communication shared by Senior Vice President of People, employees affected in some regions may be offered:
- Severance pay
- Internal job matching windows
- Support for transitions outside the business
Galetti said the organisation is focusing on organisation by reducing layers, not eliminating innovation. She also confirmed that broad reductions every few months are not the goal, positioning the current round as part of a defined restructuring phase.
The Wider Impact on Amazon’s Workforce
Amazon’s workforce transformation mirrors a wider trend across global tech employers. As a delivery company, cloud provider, and package delivery company reduces internal complexity, the focus shifts to speed, accountability, and automation.
Amazon workers affected by the layoffs face uncertainty, yet the company insists that operational jobs through attrition and buyouts remain a key strategy rather than sudden workforce exits.
Founder Jeff Bezos has not commented publicly, though leadership under Jassy continues to focus on long-term efficiency and reinvestment.
What We Think This Means for Corporate Jobs in 2026
Corporate job cuts at Amazon send a clear signal. Large employers are:
- Cutting management layers
- Investing heavily in AI
- Redefining corporate roles
- Protecting growth areas while trimming overhead
Amazon said these changes aim to support innovation rather than restrict it. For professionals, the message is clear that adaptability, ownership, and technical capability now carry greater weight than ever. This is something we at Mexa Solutions are seeing which is why it’s always important to develop yourself to be able to adapt to business and market changes.
How You Can Stay Ahead as the Way We Work Changes
If you’re navigating corporate jobs today or any sector of the market, staying relevant is no longer about your title. It’s about adaptability, skill, and the ability to thrive in change.
Here’s how you can stay ahead:
Upskill with intention
Focus on skills that matter in leaner teams. Knowledge in AI, data analysis, cloud technologies, and automation tools is becoming essential across many roles, not just technical ones. Upskilling strategically can help you stay in demand as organisations evolve.
Take ownership of your impact
With Amazon emphasising increased ownership, success now comes from going beyond your job description. By proactively taking responsibility for outcomes, you demonstrate value in environments where layers of management are being reduced.
Strengthen decision-making and judgment
Fewer approval chains mean you will often need to act with confidence. Being able to prioritise effectively, communicate clearly, and make commercially sound decisions will set you apart in a changing workforce and show that you have the skills to work as a team.
Commit to continuous learning
Treat learning as a constant, whether through training, certifications, or new experiences, to remain adaptable and future-ready.
By embracing these habits, you position yourself to not just survive but thrive as corporate structures evolve. Staying competitive and valued in today’s workforce is about being proactive, flexible, and strategically aligned with the areas where companies are investing for the future. Check out our Practical Guide To Getting Hired to fully get the breakdown on what you could be doing to better your chance.
How Mexa Solutions Can Help You Stay Ahead
The job market is changing fast, but you do not have to face it alone. Mexa Solutions helps professionals stay confident and competitive even amid uncertainty.
We connect you with top opportunities, guide you toward in-demand skills, and provide support during career transitions. With personalised advice and market insights, Mexa Solutions ensures you are always positioned for growth.
Instead of worrying about job losses, focus on building a resilient, future-ready career with Mexa Solutions by your side.
What Next?
Amazon layoffs highlight a pivotal moment for global employers. As Amazon cuts continue, the company balances cost control with future investment, AI adoption, and workforce evolution. The second round of job cuts reflects a broader shift across corporate jobs, shaped by post-pandemic realities and rapid technological change.
Amazon has also reinforced its intention to keep building, hiring, and investing where it matters most. For employees, leaders, and businesses watching closely, these moves reveal how major organisations are reshaping work in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amazon Job Cuts
How many jobs is Amazon cutting?
Amazon employs over 1.5 million workers globally. This round removes 16,000 corporate jobs, following earlier cuts that began with organizational changes in October to cut costs.
Which roles are affected?
The layoffs mainly impact the corporate workforce, including teams in AWS, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Go, and internal support functions. Warehouse and delivery roles remain largely unaffected.
Is Amazon still hiring?
Yes. Amazon has also said it will continue hiring and investing in strategic areas, especially AI, cloud services, and logistics.
Who announced the layoffs?
The announcement came from Beth Galetti, Vice President of People Experience and Senior Vice President at Amazon, with backing from CEO Andy Jassy.
This blog was written by Hollie Agombar, Senior Digital Marketing Executive at Mexa Solutions