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Amazon recently announced the layoff of 14,000 employees, but the way employees were informed has raised questions about how big firms are dealing with the layoffs. According to a Business Insider report, Amazon employees woke up to text messages announcing that their jobs had been eliminated, marking another major round of layoffs at one of the world’s largest employers. Screenshots obtained by the publication show that Amazon sent two consecutive text messages to impacted employees. The first urged recipients to check their personal or work email before heading to the office, while the second included a help desk number in case they hadn’t received an “email message about your role.” The texts followed email alerts and were intended to prevent employees from arriving at work after their badge access had been deactivated. This method of communication has ignited debates about the increasingly impersonal nature of corporate layoffs. Major tech companies like Google and Tesla have also made similar moves, leaving staff locked out of internal systems with minimal warning. Sources told Business Insider that Amazon designed the messages to reduce confusion and avoid awkward scenarios at offices nationwide. Focus On Retail Management Teams The job cuts primarily target Amazon’s retail management staff, continuing workforce reductions initiated last year. Amazon framed the move as part of a broader strategy to “streamline operations” and accelerate innovation. As per the report in an internal note, HR head Beth Galetti assured employees that they would receive full pay and benefits for 90 days, alongside a severance package and job placement support. “We didn’t make these decisions lightly,” Galetti wrote. “We’re committed to supporting you throughout this transition.” AI And Corporate Transformation Galetti also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in reshaping Amazon’s operations. In a blog post, she explained, “What we need to remember is that the world is changing quickly. This generation of AI is the most transformative technology we’ve seen since the Internet, and it’s enabling companies to innovate much faster than ever before.” The internal email provided clear instructions on the next steps, including accessing support via the A to Z app and MyHR, retrieving personal items, and returning company equipment. Galetti encouraged employees to reach out if they encountered any issues. “If you run into any trouble at all getting what you need, whether that’s connectivity issues, questions about next steps, or any other concerns, please just reply to this email. I’m personally committed to making sure you get the help you need as you navigate this change,” she added.
