Amazon preparing for a second round of layoffs
Amazon has announced its second round of layoffs in the past three months, which will result in 9,000 job cuts over the next few weeks. Most of the layoffs will impact Amazon Web Services (AWS), People Experience and Technology (PXT), Advertising, and Twitch. In a note to employees posted on the company’s blog, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy stated that this was a difficult decision but is necessary for the company’s long-term success. He also noted that Amazon will continue to do “limited hiring” in strategic areas.
This move comes after Amazon’s announcement of an 18,000-person layoff in January, the largest in the company’s history. Jassy explained that most of Amazon’s businesses had added significant headcount for several years leading up to this one, but given the uncertain economy and future, the company has chosen to be more streamlined in its costs and headcount.
Amazon is not the only tech company that has been trimming its headcount amid the larger industry downturn and following a period of pandemic-driven growth. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, announced last week that it would be cutting another 10,000 employees, following a 13% workforce reduction four months ago, which impacted over 11,000 people.
While this is undoubtedly difficult news for those who will lose their jobs, it is not uncommon for companies to streamline their operations during uncertain times. Amazon’s decision to continue limited hiring in strategic areas suggests that the company is still focused on growth and adapting to changing market conditions. The full impact of these layoffs on Amazon’s operations and employees remains to be seen.
