What Amazon told employees about axing 16 000 jobs

Core Viewpoint - Amazon is undergoing a significant workforce restructuring, cutting approximately 16,000 corporate jobs globally, with a potential total of 30,000 white-collar roles eliminated by mid-2026 as part of a long-term organizational reset following rapid pandemic-era expansion [1][4]. Group 1: Job Cuts and Rationale - The job cuts will affect teams across key units including cloud computing, retail, human resources, and media, reflecting a broader trend of layoffs in the tech industry [2][5]. - Amazon's leadership has indicated that the restructuring aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve decision-making speed, framing the layoffs as a necessary long-term adjustment rather than a short-term cost-cutting measure [4][5]. - The internal memo confirmed that the reductions will impact approximately 16,000 roles, with an emphasis on support for affected employees [3][4]. Group 2: Employee Support and Transition - Amazon will provide a 90-day internal transfer window for most US-based employees to seek new positions within the company, a practice common among large tech firms during layoffs [6]. - For employees who do not secure new roles or opt not to look internally, Amazon will offer transition support, including severance pay, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits [7].