Amazon is cutting approximately 14,000 corporate jobs as part of a broader effort to streamline operations and boost efficiency amid its strategic shift toward artificial intelligence. The layoffs, announced by senior executive Beth Galetti in an internal memo, are a continuation of Amazon’s ongoing initiative to reduce bureaucracy, eliminate redundant layers, and redirect resources toward its most critical business priorities. While the number is lower than earlier reports suggesting up to 30,000 job losses, it remains one of the company’s largest workforce reductions in recent years, following a 27,000-person cut at the end of 2022 and into 2023. Galetti emphasized that the changes are not solely driven by AI, though the technology plays a significant role in the company’s long-term vision. She stated the goal is to create a “leaner, faster, more agile” organization better equipped to innovate and serve customers. Employees affected will have 90 days to seek internal roles, reflecting Amazon’s continued focus on internal mobility. The company also confirmed it will continue hiring in key strategic areas in 2026, signaling that while some roles are being eliminated, Amazon remains committed to growth in targeted sectors. Despite the emphasis on AI as a catalyst for transformation, Amazon spokesperson Kelly Nantel clarified in a statement that AI is not the primary driver behind most of the job reductions. Instead, she reiterated that the changes stem from a broader cultural and operational overhaul initiated last year—focused on reducing bureaucracy, increasing accountability, and accelerating decision-making. According to Nantel, these efforts have already begun delivering strong results for teams and customers. The announcement comes after a months-long internal review of Amazon’s structure and priorities, which coincided with CEO Andy Jassy’s renewed push to integrate generative AI across products and services. Jassy has repeatedly highlighted AI as central to Amazon’s future, both as a tool for operational efficiency and as a foundation for new customer-facing innovations. However, the company’s leadership has stopped short of attributing the layoffs directly to AI, instead framing them as part of a sustained effort to improve agility and focus. The move reflects a wider trend in the tech industry, where companies are leveraging automation, robotics, and AI to reduce labor costs and improve scalability. Amazon has long used automation in its fulfillment centers, but this latest round of cuts targets corporate roles—such as in finance, HR, and operations—where AI and software tools can now perform tasks previously handled by humans. While Amazon is cutting jobs, it is also investing heavily in AI infrastructure and talent in areas like machine learning, cloud computing, and product development. The company’s dual strategy—cutting overhead while advancing AI capabilities—underscores its ambition to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. The upcoming reductions may not be the last. Galetti noted that Amazon plans to continue identifying opportunities for efficiency gains, suggesting further changes could come in the future. As AI reshapes industries, Amazon’s approach highlights the growing tension between technological advancement and workforce displacement, particularly in large corporations where automation promises both efficiency and risk. This latest round of layoffs underscores how deeply AI is influencing corporate strategy—not just as a product or service, but as a core driver of internal transformation. For Amazon, the goal is clear: become leaner, faster, and more innovative in the AI era—no matter the human cost.