Amazon cuts fewer than 1,000 jobs across teams, Business Insider reports

Amazon announced fewer than 1,000 job cuts on Wednesday, primarily within its Stores division, according to Business Insider. These reductions, affecting white-collar employees in the U.S., India, and the U.K., are part of the company's ongoing efforts to reshape specific aspects of its retail operations around current priorities.

The layoffs come after Amazon eliminated roughly 30,000 corporate jobs last year and in January, as Chief Executive Andy Jassy aimed to streamline management, reduce costs, and optimize the organization's structure. Employees have expressed concerns over severance, job openings, and potential further notifications, with internal messages raising questions about the changes.

Some managers have even adjusted their plans for future quarters due to uncertainties about teams or priorities. Amazon acknowledged the restructuring as a way to support affected employees during the transition, emphasizing that affected individuals would receive assistance. This move aligns with a broader trend in the technology sector, where companies are cutting jobs in certain areas while investing more in artificial intelligence.

Meta laid off about 8,000 employees in May, while Microsoft reduced its workforce by more than 5,000 jobs between July and September. Amazon has also been reaching out to former employees about openings in its AWS and AI businesses, showcasing a shift in where the company is directing its talent and investments. The latest cuts occurred during Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days promotional event, adding a significant timing dimension to the restructuring of its core retail operations.