Amazon Braces for Massive Layoffs as Automation Drive Accelerates

Amazon May Cut Up to 30,000 Jobs as Automation and Cost Pressures Mount in 2026
Amazon Braces for Massive Layoffs as Automation Drive Accelerates
Written By:
Somatirtha
Reviewed By:
Sankha Ghosh
Published on

Amazon is reportedly preparing to conduct another round of job terminations in late January 2026. According to employee discussions on social media platforms like Blind and Reddit, Amazon may start a fresh round of layoffs around January 27, 2026. The employees estimate that recent layoffs have reached a total of nearly 30,000 positions.

Which Teams are Likely to Be Affected?

According to discussions on platforms such as Blind and Reddit, corporate roles appear most vulnerable this time. Employees in human resources, support, and programme management functions are said to be at the centre of the planned cuts. Much of this is linked to Amazon’s growing reliance on automation and internal technology tools, which have reduced the need for large administrative teams.

Amazon’s in-house HR unit, part of its People Experience and Technology division, is expected to face particular pressure as systems increasingly replace manual processes.

What Evidence Points to Imminent Layoffs?

Earlier this month, reports indicated that 1,000 and 2,000 Amazon employees had received WARN notices, which US law mandates ahead of large-scale layoffs. These notices reportedly indicate job cuts around January 26. The announcement of their layoffs has sparked fears that the company will conduct its upcoming staff reductions beyond US borders, including additional markets such as India.

A previous report by Reuters in October had claimed Amazon was planning workforce reductions of a similar scale, with initial cuts already completed.

Will Amazon Web Services Be Impacted?

Amazon Web Services will implement staff reductions at some positions, especially in its support and program management departments. AWS maintains its profitability, while the business shifts its resources to develop long-term projects, and establishes stricter financial management procedures.

What Has Leadership Said?

Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon, advocates for a reduction in management levels to achieve higher operational efficiency. The past year has seen Amazon implement structural changes through team mergers and role eliminations, which resulted in increased demands on its remaining workforce.

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