Amazon has confirmed plans to cut 16,000 jobs worldwide after an internal email about the layoffs was accidentally sent to employees. The message appeared briefly before the company canceled it, but by then many workers had already seen the details. As a result, confusion and concern spread quickly across teams.
Accidental email reveals details of global layoffs
Late Tuesday, Amazon sent an internal message that outlined job reductions across several regions. The email described the layoffs as part of a broader effort to improve efficiency and strengthen the company. However, because the message reached employees before an official announcement, it caused uncertainty.
Layoffs impact teams in the US, Canada, and Costa Rica
The email stated that teams in the United States, Canada, and Costa Rica would face job losses. However, Amazon did not confirm which departments would be affected. For now, employees in these regions remain unsure about their future roles.
Project Dawn and Amazon’s restructuring plan
The email referred to Project Dawn, Amazon’s internal name for the restructuring process. A draft version of the message, written by AWS senior vice president Colleen Aubrey, appeared in a calendar invite that an executive assistant mistakenly shared.
Internal plan focuses on reducing layers and bureaucracy
Over the past year, Amazon has worked to remove extra management layers and reduce internal bureaucracy. At the same time, leadership has encouraged teams to take more ownership. Because of these changes, the company believes it can respond faster to customer needs.
Employee reactions and expected job losses
For weeks, employees had already expected another round of layoffs. According to a former Amazon worker, internal discussions suggested the company planned to eliminate around 30,000 roles in total. Therefore, the accidental email confirmed what many feared.
Staff expected cuts weeks before official announcement
Even before the email appeared, rumors of additional layoffs circulated across teams. As a result, morale dropped, and employees began preparing for potential job losses.
Severance pay and limited internal role options
Amazon allowed affected employees to apply for open positions within the company. However, only a limited number of roles were available. Consequently, many workers accepted severance packages based on how long they had worked at Amazon.
Amazon’s workforce size and affected regions
Amazon currently employs about 1.5 million people worldwide, including roughly 350,000 corporate employees. Despite this, the company has not yet shared exact numbers for each region affected by the latest layoffs.
Leadership changes under CEO Andy Jassy
Since Jeff Bezos stepped down as CEO four years ago, Andy Jassy has led Amazon through several rounds of restructuring. During this time, he has focused heavily on cost control and operational efficiency.
Return to full time office work policy
Under Jassy’s leadership, Amazon now requires employees to work from the office five days a week. As a result, the company stands out among major tech firms that still allow remote or hybrid work.
Shift toward stricter work culture
In addition to office mandates, Amazon has tightened internal policies. For example, teams now face closer oversight of expenses as leadership pushes for stronger financial discipline.
Cost cutting measures beyond layoffs
Beyond job cuts, Amazon has taken several steps to reduce spending across the business. These actions show that cost control remains a top priority.
Monitoring corporate expenses
Amazon has begun closely reviewing corporate mobile phone reimbursements and other long standing benefits. This move reflects a broader effort to limit unnecessary spending.
Closure of Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go stores
Recently, Amazon announced plans to close its remaining Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go grocery stores. Instead, the company plans to expand its Whole Foods Market brand.
What this means for Amazon’s future
According to CEO Andy Jassy, Amazon has entered a period of major change. He has described this time as an opportunity to rethink how the company operates. Ultimately, leadership believes these decisions will help Amazon stay competitive in a rapidly changing world.
