In a surprising turn of events, numerous Amazon employees were caught off guard by text messages alerting them to the termination of their positions. These notifications, sent before sunrise, signal another phase of layoffs at one of the largest tech companies globally, affecting approximately 14,000 employees across different departments worldwide. As reported by Business Insider, the impacted workers received two texts in quick succession. The first instructed them to check their personal or work email prior to arriving at the office. The second provided a contact for a help desk for those who had not yet received an email regarding their employment status.
This action reportedly followed the deactivation of employee badges to prevent those laid off from entering the office unaware of their job loss. This recent wave of layoffs is part of a broader trend in the tech sector, where major companies like Google and Tesla have also utilized sudden, technology-driven methods for layoffs. While some industry experts have criticized this approach as impersonal, others argue it reduces confusion and avoids uncomfortable situations in the workplace. The job cuts predominantly impact Amazon’s retail management teams as part of an initiative to enhance operational efficiency and accelerate innovation. The layoffs are also associated with the company’s increasing dependence on artificial intelligence (AI) for process optimization and cost reduction.
In an internal message, Beth Galetti, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, assured those affected that they would receive full pay and benefits for 90 days, along with a severance package and career transition support. “We didn’t make these decisions lightly,” Galetti stated. “We’re committed to supporting you throughout this transition.” In a blog post released on Tuesday, Galetti recognized that the advent of AI is transforming Amazon’s operations. “We must remember that the world is changing rapidly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, enabling companies to innovate much faster than before,” she noted.
The internal email accompanying the texts detailed the next steps for those laid off, confirming that badge access would be restricted and that a non-working period would commence immediately, during which employees would continue receiving full compensation and benefits. It also instructed employees on utilizing Amazon’s internal resources—such as the A to Z app and MyHR—to seek support, retrieve personal items, or return company property. Galetti further emphasized that assistance would always be available: “If you encounter any issues—whether it’s connectivity problems, inquiries about next steps, or other concerns—please reply to this email.
I am personally dedicated to ensuring you receive the support you need during this transition.” The layoffs coincide with Amazon’s preparations for what analysts predict will be a record-breaking holiday quarter, potentially exceeding $140 billion in sales. However, the company faces increasing pressure to maintain agility and cost-effectiveness amid the swift rise of AI-driven automation and shifts in the global economy.