Amazon has launched one of its largest mass layoffs, affecting 16,000 corporate employees worldwide. HR head Beth Galetti’s memo mentioned reducing layers and improving efficiency but did not clarify which teams were impacted. Internal communications and Slack messages now reveal that major cuts are occurring in both Amazon Web Services and retail divisions. The layoffs affect software engineers and key operational staff across multiple countries. Employees will receive support through pay, benefits, and internal job opportunities. This article explains the affected teams, employee guidance, and steps Amazon is taking to help those impacted during this significant workforce reduction.
Teams Hit Hardest
Amazon’s recent layoffs are impacting key teams across its corporate divisions. Employees in Amazon Web Services, including Bedrock, Redshift, and ProServe, have been affected. In retail, the Prime subscription service and last-mile Delivery Experience group have also seen reductions. Many of the impacted workers hold software engineering roles, highlighting the technical depth of the cuts. Internal communications confirm that the layoffs are extensive and not limited to minor departments. These reductions reflect Amazon’s ongoing efforts to streamline operations and increase efficiency while reshaping its corporate structure to support long-term business goals.
Global Reach of Layoffs
The recent Amazon layoffs extend far beyond the United States, affecting employees across multiple offices worldwide. Notifications were sent on January 28, and many employees experienced immediate badge access restrictions. This action required some staff to receive assistance from security personnel to safely exit office buildings. The global impact reflects the scale of Amazon’s corporate restructuring, with both cloud computing and retail teams facing significant reductions. The company is providing support and guidance for affected employees during this transition to help them navigate the changes professionally and securely.
Employee Support and Severance
US-based Amazon employees affected by the 2026 layoffs will receive full pay and benefits for 90 days while applying for new internal roles. Those who do not secure a new position or choose not to participate will receive severance packages, continued health insurance, and outplacement support to assist in their transition. Amazon has also provided clear instructions for returning company laptops and collecting personal items from desks. Items that are not claimed by the specified date will be donated or disposed of. These measures aim to support employees while maintaining operational efficiency and transparency.
Internal Reasoning
Amazon executives describe the recent layoffs as part of the company’s effort to operate like the world’s largest startup. This strategy emphasizes ownership, speed, and experimentation to drive innovation and efficiency. According to AWS VP Prasad Kalyanaraman, evolving the company’s structure is essential for maintaining competitiveness and adapting to changing markets. By focusing on streamlined processes and agile teams, Amazon aims to foster creativity and improve decision-making. The layoffs are framed as a necessary step to ensure long-term growth while supporting a culture of high performance.
Context: Past Layoffs
This is Amazon’s second mass layoff since October, when 14,000 corporate roles were cut. The company employs over 1.5 million people worldwide, including a corporate workforce of approximately 350,000. The recent reductions reflect changing business priorities across both cloud computing and retail operations. Internal reports show that teams in AWS and retail divisions are among the hardest hit. These layoffs demonstrate Amazon’s focus on efficiency, innovation, and restructuring to remain competitive. Employees affected receive support through pay, benefits, and internal job transition programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many employees were affected by Amazon’s latest layoffs?Approximately 16,000 corporate employees were notified of job eliminations on January 28, 2026.
2. Which teams were impacted the most?
Layoffs affected both Amazon Web Services (AWS) and core retail divisions, including Prime subscription services, Delivery Experience teams, and software engineering roles.
3. Is this the first mass layoff at Amazon?
No. This marks the second major reduction since October 2025, when 14,000 corporate roles were eliminated.
4. What support does Amazon provide to affected employees?
US-based employees receive full pay and benefits for 90 days, outplacement services, severance packages, and health insurance coverage.
5. What happens if employees do not find a new internal role?
Those who do not secure a new position or choose not to search will receive severance and support services.
6. Why is Amazon conducting these layoffs?
Amazon states the cuts are part of restructuring to increase efficiency, reduce bureaucracy, and focus on innovation in cloud and retail operations.
