Amazon begins layoffs amidst new return-to-office mandate

The job cuts are part of CEO Andy Jassy’s continued push to restructure Amazon’s operations, a key initiative since he succeeded Jeff Bezos in 2021

In a fresh round of layoffs, Amazon has initiated job cuts within its communications and corporate responsibility department, which also encompasses the company's sustainability team. While the e-commerce giant has not disclosed specific figures, these cuts are part of an ongoing initiative to reduce operational redundancies and increase overall efficiency.

A tactical move under CEO Andy Jassy

The layoffs are aligned with CEO Andy Jassy’s broader efforts to reshape Amazon’s internal structure since he took over from founder Jeff Bezos in 2021. Aiming to streamline operations and minimize bureaucracy, Jassy’s leadership has focused on making the company more agile and cost-effective.

Brad Glasser, an Amazon spokesperson, explained that the layoffs were part of a strategic review of the communications and corporate responsibility division. The goal, according to Glasser, is to enhance ownership, foster leadership at all levels, and build a stronger corporate culture. While acknowledging the impact on employees, Amazon has promised to support those affected during this difficult transition.

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This move follows a series of similar actions by the company in recent months. Just weeks ago, Amazon eliminated 200 jobs within its stores division, which oversees its online marketplace operations. Furthermore, the company recently announced the closure of seven warehouses in Quebec, Canada, leading to the displacement of approximately 1,700 workers. The cuts are part of Amazon's broader cost-reduction strategy, which also saw the company lay off 27,000 corporate employees in 2022 across various departments.

Mandatory return-to-office

Alongside job cuts, Amazon has enacted a mandatory return-to-office policy, requiring most corporate employees to report to physical offices five days a week. While critics argue that this could encourage voluntary resignations, Jassy insists the policy is a critical part of strengthening Amazon’s corporate culture and improving efficiency.

Amazon has also been focusing on flattening its organizational structure. In September, Jassy addressed concerns about the company’s management hierarchy, acknowledging that Amazon had too many managers compared to its workforce. He called for a reduction in managerial roles to speed up decision-making processes and increase operational agility.

Employees affected by the layoffs will receive severance packages, which include 60 days' pay and benefits. Additionally, Amazon is offering relocation support to some of the employees, helping them transition to new roles or geographic locations within the company.

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