Amazon fires staffers via early-morning text messages during round of 14K job cuts: report

Core Points - Amazon has initiated a round of layoffs affecting approximately 14,000 corporate roles as part of its strategy to reduce bureaucracy within its workforce [3][4][7] - The company plans to cut a total of 30,000 corporate jobs, which represents about 9% of its global office-based workforce, over the coming weeks [7][10] - The layoffs were communicated to employees via text messages, urging them to check their emails before coming to the office to avoid discovering their job loss in person [1][2][5] Company Strategy - Amazon's HR executive, Beth Galetti, stated that the layoffs are part of a broader effort to operate more efficiently and leanly, focusing on fewer layers and more ownership within the company [3][13] - The company is also embracing automation and AI, which is expected to create new job opportunities while simultaneously reducing the need for certain roles [9][12] - Capital expenses related to AI data centers are projected to exceed $120 billion this year, marking a nearly 50% increase from the previous year [12] Future Outlook - Another round of layoffs is anticipated in January, following the holiday shopping season, as the company continues to adjust its workforce in response to changing market conditions [8] - Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, has emphasized the importance of adapting to new technologies and has encouraged employees to embrace automation as part of the company's evolution [9][12]