Amazon has commenced a substantial corporate restructuring initiative, formally notifying employees about a fresh round of layoffs that has eliminated approximately 16,000 roles across multiple countries. This significant workforce reduction represents one of the company's most extensive job cut announcements in recent times, reflecting broader organizational realignment efforts within the tech giant.
Global Impact and Notification Process
The job cuts have affected employees across three major regions: the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. Affected staff members received direct communications from Beth Galetti, Amazon's Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, who explained that these difficult decisions followed a comprehensive review of the company's organizational structure, strategic priorities, and future focus areas.
The notification emails, which have been shared with Business Insider by impacted employees, began with the sobering line: 'I have some important, but difficult, news to share with you.' This communication outlined the rationale behind the workforce reductions while emphasizing the company's commitment to supporting affected individuals through the transition period.
Comprehensive Transition Support Package
Amazon has established a robust support framework for employees affected by these layoffs. The company has confirmed that impacted workers will receive their full salary and benefits for a 90-day non-working transition period. Beyond this financial cushion, Amazon is offering several additional support measures designed to facilitate career transitions.
The comprehensive support package includes:
- A formal severance package with transitional benefits
- External job placement support services
- Up to 12 months of complimentary access to AWS Skill Builder for reskilling purposes
Immediate Operational Changes
Upon notification, affected employees experienced immediate changes to their workplace access and responsibilities. Company badge access was restricted promptly, though employees will maintain access to essential internal tools including email, Chime communication platform, and the A to Z portal on personal devices throughout the transition period.
Employees were explicitly informed that they are no longer required to perform work on Amazon's behalf during this 90-day window, allowing them to focus entirely on their career transition while continuing to receive compensation and benefits.
Teams and Divisions Affected
Internal Slack messages reviewed by Business Insider indicate that the layoffs have impacted several critical divisions within Amazon's organizational structure. The workforce reductions have particularly affected:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) units, including the Bedrock AI cloud service, Redshift cloud data warehouse, and ProServe consulting division
- Retail operations teams, encompassing Prime subscription services and the last-mile Delivery Experience team
Communication and Support Channels
Affected employees will receive invitations to schedule conversations with team leaders and human resources representatives to discuss transition specifics and address individual questions. While these meetings are optional, Amazon encourages virtual participation to ensure employees receive personalized support.
Formal announcement paperwork will be delivered via email from Amazon's Enterprise Document Management system, with the company maintaining primary communication through email channels during the transition period. Employees have been advised to keep their YubiKeys for accessing email on personal devices and to verify their access to essential tools.
Amazon has emphasized that caring team members remain available 24/7 through the MyHR portal and Employee Assistance Program, offering confidential support to help navigate this challenging transition. Beth Galetti personally committed in her communication to ensuring affected employees receive necessary assistance, encouraging direct email contact for any connectivity issues, procedural questions, or other concerns during this period.
