Amazon Cuts 16,000 Jobs in Largest Corporate Layoff Cycle

TLDR:

Amazon announced the elimination of approximately 16,000 corporate positions on January 28, 2026, in a move that brings the total job cuts since October 2025 to around 30,000 and represents the biggest workforce reduction in the company's three-decade history.

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Beth Galetti, Amazon's senior vice president of people experience and technology, informed employees of the changes in a message posted to the company's internal site. These new layoffs follow a previous round in October 2025 that affected 14,000 roles and surpass the 27,000 positions eliminated between late 2022 and early 2023.

The reductions target corporate workers across various units, including Amazon Web Services, Alexa voice assistant, Prime Video, devices, advertising, last mile delivery, Kindle and supply chain optimization within the fulfillment division.

Amazon attributed the cuts to efforts aimed at reducing layers in the organization, increasing ownership among staff and removing bureaucracy, with some teams completing the work after the initial October adjustments.

"The reductions we are making today will impact approximately 16,000 roles across Amazon, and we're again working hard to support everyone whose role is impacted," Galetti wrote in the message.

Most U.S.-based employees affected by the layoffs receive 90 days to search for new internal roles, with variations in timing for international staff based on local requirements.

Those unable to secure a new position or opting not to pursue one qualify for severance pay, outplacement services and applicable health insurance benefits.

The company continues hiring in strategic areas critical to future operations, even as it implements the cuts.

"Some of you might ask if this is the beginning of a new rhythm – where we announce broad reductions every few months. That’s not our plan," Galetti added.

Amazon also disclosed closures of its remaining Fresh grocery stores and Go markets, along with the discontinuation of the Amazon One palm-scanning payment system.

The largest 2026 layoffs coincide with Amazon's investments in artificial intelligence and robotics to automate tasks, speed up warehouse operations and reduce reliance on human labor.

An email referencing the layoff plan as "Project Dawn" reached some Amazon Web Services staff by mistake on January 28, 2026, before the official announcement.