Amazon discloses additional layoffs affecting 16,000 positions

Amazon revealed it is cutting 16,000 jobs, marking the second wave of reductions in two months.

Beth Galetti, Amazon's senior vice president of people experience and technology, confirmed in a statement that the company aims to "reduce layers, increase ownership, and eliminate bureaucracy."

This strategy was first discussed by Galetti during job cuts last October, which eliminated 14,000 positions across the sections of human resources, operations, devices and services, and Amazon Web Services.

Although details about the specific departments affected by the latest layoffs were not disclosed, Reuters noted that divisions such as Amazon Web Services, retail, Prime Video, and human resources are likely to see reductions.

It remains uncertain if the gaming branch of Amazon will be impacted, as seen last October. GamesIndustry.biz has reached out to Amazon for more details.

Amazon is providing most of its U.S. employees with up to 90 days to secure a different role within the company. Those who do not find or pursue a new position will receive "transition support, including severance, outplacement services, and applicable health insurance benefits."

Galetti addressed concerns about whether these layoffs indicate a trend of regular large-scale job reductions, stating:

"As always, teams will assess their capability to innovate for customers and adjust as needed. This is crucial as the world evolves at an accelerated pace."

Moreover, Galetti emphasized that Amazon will continue to focus on hiring and investing in strategic areas vital for future growth.