Amazon Lays Off 30,000 Corporate Employees Amid AI Push

In what is being described as the largest layoff in Amazon’s history, the tech giant has begun notifying up to 30,000 corporate employees of their termination this week. The decision, which represents nearly 10% of Amazon’s corporate workforce, was preceded by urgent internal training sessions for managers on Monday, October 27, according to Reuters and other media outlets that reviewed internal documents.

Urgent Training Before Layoff Announcements

Sources revealed that on Monday afternoon, Amazon managers were instructed to attend a rapid training program to prepare them for the difficult conversations ahead. The training focused on how to communicate layoffs empathetically, handle emotional reactions, and ensure compliance with internal HR procedures. The following morning, on Tuesday, employees began receiving termination notices via email.

30,000 Corporate Jobs Cut Across Divisions

The job cuts, which began rolling out on Tuesday, have impacted multiple Amazon divisions — including Human Resources (PXT), Operations, Devices and Services, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Internal communications suggest that affected employees were primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

HR Division Faces Deepest Cuts

According to a report by Fortune, Amazon’s Human Resources division — known internally as People Experience and Technology (PXT) — is among the hardest hit. The publication estimates that up to 15% of HR staff may lose their jobs, representing thousands of employees worldwide. The cuts come as Amazon increases automation and invests heavily in AI infrastructure, a strategic pivot CEO Andy Jassy has prioritized this year.

$100 Billion AI Investment Amid Cost-Cutting

Even as thousands of employees face layoffs, Amazon continues to push forward with record investments in artificial intelligence. According to Fortune, the company has committed over $100 billion toward AI infrastructure in 2025 alone, positioning itself to compete more aggressively against Microsoft and Google in the cloud computing and generative AI sectors.

The Largest Tech Layoff Since 2020

Business channels such as CNBC and Reuters confirmed that this is not only Amazon’s largest-ever round of layoffs but also the biggest single layoff event across the global tech industry since 2020. The company has previously cut 27,000 positions since late 2022, but this wave significantly surpasses prior job reductions both in size and scope.

Return-to-Office Policy Didn’t Reduce Headcount

Insiders told Reuters that Amazon had initially hoped its five-day return-to-office policy would lead to voluntary attrition. However, the plan failed to trigger enough resignations. The company’s strict in-office mandate — one of the most rigid in the tech industry — led to employee frustration but not enough departures to meet cost-cutting goals.

Severance Packages and Support

Leaked internal emails viewed by Business Insider indicated that affected employees would receive full pay and benefits for 90 days post-termination. The message also outlined access to career transition services and emotional wellness support. Managers were told to ensure departing employees receive timely documentation and clarity regarding their severance entitlements.

Employee Reaction and Morale Impact

Within hours of the announcements, social media platforms like LinkedIn and Blind were flooded with posts from Amazon employees confirming layoffs across different teams. While some expressed understanding toward the company’s financial strategy, many described the process as “cold” and “mechanical.” Morale among remaining staff reportedly remains low, with fears of additional layoffs in 2026.

Seasonal Hiring to Offset Layoffs

Despite the sweeping corporate cuts, Amazon announced plans to hire 250,000 seasonal warehouse workers to handle the upcoming holiday rush. The move underscores Amazon’s dual strategy: streamlining white-collar operations while bolstering its frontline workforce to maintain business continuity during the festive period.

Conclusion

The Amazon layoffs mark a defining moment for one of the world’s largest employers, signaling both the human cost of corporate restructuring and the company’s evolving priorities in an AI-driven economy. As CEO Andy Jassy continues his “efficiency and innovation” campaign, thousands of former employees face uncertainty, even as Amazon positions itself for long-term technological dominance.