Amazon is preparing for another significant round of layoffs, this time targeting up to 15 per cent of its human resources department along with a few other roles. The move comes as part of the company’s broader strategy to manage costs while making massive investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and infrastructure.
The latest restructuring follows several earlier rounds of layoffs under CEO Andy Jassy. Between late 2022 and 2023, Amazon cut around 27,000 jobs, mainly in corporate divisions.
The e-commerce and technology firm is reportedly allocating more than Rs 8.3 lakh crore ($100 billion) in capital expenditure for 2025. This investment will primarily go toward building AI data centres and expanding its cloud computing capabilities. These facilities are expected to support both Amazon’s internal operations and external clients as demand for AI-powered services accelerates globally.
The company’s increasing focus on AI has also driven internal transformation. Employees are being encouraged to upskill and adapt to new technologies as automation reshapes several functions. Insiders suggest that as AI-driven efficiencies grow, the need for certain traditional corporate roles will continue to shrink.
Despite these reductions, Amazon is simultaneously ramping up its temporary workforce ahead of the upcoming holiday season. The company aims to hire around 2.5 lakh seasonal employees for full-time, part-time, and temporary positions across its operations. Hourly wages for these roles will range from $19 for seasonal staff to about $23 for permanent employees — in line with previous years’ hiring patterns.
The dual strategy highlights Amazon’s shifting workforce priorities — cutting costs and corporate headcount even while expanding operational capacity to meet growing retail and AI ambitions.
