Amazon is making headlines once again, but this time it isn’t for a record-breaking Prime Day. The tech giant has officially confirmed a massive second wave of job cuts, marking a significant turning point for the company’s corporate structure. If you’ve been following the news, you’ve likely seen terms like “Project Dawn” and “Colleen Aubrey“ trending alongside AMZN stock updates.
In this post, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the Amazon layoffs employees are facing, why it’s happening, and what it means for the future of the company.
The Scope of the Cuts: 16,000 More Roles Impacted
On January 28, 2026, Amazon confirmed the elimination of approximately 16,000 corporate roles globally. This follows an earlier round of 14,000 layoffs in October 2025. Together, these cuts total roughly 30,000 positions—nearly 10% of Amazon’s total corporate workforce.
While Amazon employs over 1.5 million people (including warehouse and delivery staff), these specific cuts are aimed directly at white-collar “office” roles.
Key Areas Affected:
- Amazon Web Services (AWS): The cloud computing giant is seeing significant restructuring.
- Retail and Prime Video: Teams managing e-commerce and streaming content are being streamlined.
- Human Resources (PXT): As hiring slows, the internal HR teams are also being reduced.
The “Project Dawn” Email Leak
The announcement didn’t come without some drama. Earlier this week, a “misfired” internal email caused widespread confusion. The message, signed by Colleen Aubrey (Senior VP of Applied AI Solutions at AWS), was prematurely sent to employees.
The email referenced an internal initiative known as “Project Dawn” and mistakenly suggested that employees in the U.S., Canada, and Costa Rica had already been notified. This “bungled” communication led to a canceled team meeting and sparked a wave of anxiety across Slack channels before the official announcement was made by HR chief Beth Galetti.
Why Is Amazon Laying Off Employees Now?
Despite reporting a nearly 40% jump in profits recently, Amazon leadership insists these moves are about culture, not just finances. CEO Andy Jassy has been vocal about turning Amazon into the “world’s largest startup.“
The official reasons cited for the Amazon layoff include:
- Removing Bureaucracy: Trimming management layers to speed up decision-making.
- AI Integration: Utilizing generative AI to handle routine tasks that were previously manual.
- Pandemic Correction: Scaling back after the aggressive over-hiring that occurred during the 2020-2022 period.
Market Reaction: What About AMZN Stock?
Investors often have a different perspective on layoffs than the general public. While job cuts are difficult for families, the market often views them as a move toward higher efficiency and better margins.
As of late January 2026, AMZN stock has shown resilience. Following the news of the 16,000 job cuts, the stock actually saw a slight uptick. Analysts are keeping a close eye on the upcoming Q4 earnings report scheduled for February 5, as the company’s ability to “do more with less” remains a central theme for shareholders.
Support for Impacted Employees
Amazon has stated it is committed to helping those affected. In the U.S., most impacted employees will have 90 days to search for a new role within the company. For those who leave, Amazon is offering:
- Severance pay (based on tenure).
- Continued health insurance benefits for a limited time.
- Outplacement and career transition services.
Final Thoughts
The Amazon layoffs employees are experiencing in 2026 reflect a broader trend in the tech industry: a shift toward leaner operations and AI-driven efficiency. While names like Colleen Aubrey and terms like “Project Dawn” are currently dominating the news cycle, the long-term impact on AMZN will depend on how successfully the company can innovate with a smaller, more focused team.
Stay tuned to TrendsUs for more updates on tech trends and market shifts!