Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced that the company plans to reduce its corporate workforce in the coming years due to efficiency gains driven by artificial intelligence. In a memo sent to employees, Jassy explained that as Amazon integrates more generative AI tools and agents, the way work is carried out will significantly change, leading to fewer roles in some areas and an increased need for new types of jobs.
Jassy did not specify how many roles would be affected but emphasized that this shift is part of a broader strategy to make operations more efficient. Since 2022, Amazon has already laid off more than 27,000 employees, with recent cuts impacting divisions such as devices, services, and books.
The CEO highlighted that Amazon currently has over 1,000 AI-related applications and services in development or already deployed. He stated this represents only a small portion of what the company intends to launch, suggesting further transformation ahead. Jassy encouraged employees to engage with AI technologies, noting that those who become proficient in AI and help develop Amazon’s internal capabilities will be better positioned to succeed within the organization.
He framed the transition not just as a technological upgrade but as a cultural shift, urging workers to be “curious about AI” and learn how to achieve more with leaner teams. This perspective reflects a growing trend among tech companies. For example, Shopify’s CEO recently told employees to justify resource requests by explaining why the work couldn’t be accomplished using AI, while Duolingo’s CEO confirmed plans to replace some contract positions with AI tools as part of an “AI-first” approach.Amazon’s AI expansion and workforce changes are part of a larger movement across the tech industry, where artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping job roles and expectations. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into daily operations, workers across sectors are being encouraged—or required—to adapt quickly to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.
