Amazon Shakes Corporate Ranks 14 000 Employees Laid Off

Economy

Updated on Oct - 29 - 2025, 05:51 PM

 

Amazon has announced its largest-ever set of corporate layoffs around 14,000 white-collar employees will see their roles eliminated, marking approximately 4 % of its global corporate workforce. What makes the cut all the sharper is the timing: the company reported quarterly profits to the tune of USD 18 billion.

In an email of transition, Beth Galetti, the company’s SVP of People Experience & Technology, told affected workers simply: “I’m personally committed to making sure you get the help you need as you navigate this change.” Within the message, she laid out the packages: 90 days of full pay and benefits, severance support, job-placement assistance, and invitations to one-on-one discussions with HR or leadership. 

The reason cited for this sweeping cut is the wave of generative artificial intelligence sweeping through the business. Amazon argues that AI is the most transformative technology since the internet, and to remain competitive it must flatten hierarchies, reduce bureaucracy and redirect its vast talent pool toward fewer, more strategic roles. But the move has stirred unease many are asking: if the company is so profitable, why now? Analysts point to a broader trend: big tech reshuffling workforces ahead of major holiday-season launches and business pivots. 

For the impacted employees, this moment raises serious questions about job stability in tech, the cost of automation, and how human roles will evolve around AI. For Amazon, the announcement signals the start of a new strategic chapter one that is leaner, more automated, and heavily geared toward AI growth. But it remains to be seen how this transition will impact morale, culture and long term talent retention.

In any case, the message is loud and clear: even when business is booming, no corporation feels immune to the reshaping winds of digital transformation.