Amazon has started sending official emails to employees affected by its latest round of layoffs. This decision is part of the company’s plan to cut around 14,000 jobs from its global corporate workforce. The layoffs are part of a broader cost-cutting effort that aims to make the company operate more efficiently as it relies more on automation and artificial intelligence.
According to the messages sent this week, affected workers were told that their roles are being eliminated and their employment will end after a 90-day non-working period. Amazon explained that the non-working period will give employees time to prepare for the next steps while still being paid.
The company also noted that these changes were part of a careful review of Amazon’s priorities and future goals. Although Amazon’s business performance remains strong, the company believes it must stay “lean and efficient” to stay competitive in the current market.
Full pay and health benefits during the transition period
According to the internal email shared with employees, those impacted by the layoffs will continue to receive full pay and health benefits for 90 days. This period is being described as a non-working transition phase, during which employees will remain on Amazon’s payroll even though they are not required to perform their usual job duties.
The company said that this arrangement was designed to give workers enough time and financial security to plan their next move. During this phase, employees can still access certain company systems, internal communications, and HR tools. The email explained that Amazon aims to ensure affected staff have a “soft landing” rather than facing sudden unemployment without pay.
Employees have also been told that they will maintain access to internal communication channels during this time. This means they can stay informed about updates related to their severance, benefits, and possible internal job openings.
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Severance allowance and additional transitional support
Once the 90-day non-working period ends, employees will receive a severance allowance as part of their final settlement. The amount will vary depending on each employee’s role, position level, and the employment laws of their respective countries. Along with severance pay, Amazon is also offering transitional benefits, which may include extended health insurance, financial assistance, and career counselling.
In the internal communication, Amazon explained that the company will provide skills training programs and job placement support to help affected workers find new employment opportunities. The training includes resume improvement, interview preparation, and access to professional development courses. In countries where specific labour laws apply, the company will follow local requirements to ensure compliance and fairness in compensation.
This approach highlights Amazon’s attempt to show empathy toward employees while executing a large-scale restructuring.
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Access to internal tools and HR guidance
Amazon has also outlined steps to ensure that laid-off workers can continue to access important information and HR assistance. Through the internal “A to Z” app, employees can view detailed FAQs related to pay, benefits, and severance packages. The email advised workers to update their personal email addresses in the system to continue receiving updates after they lose access to official company accounts.
During the 90-day transition, employees will retain access to internal communication platforms such as Chime and email. This allows them to stay connected with HR teams, access job placement resources, and receive answers to any questions about their severance and benefits.
The company added that HR teams will remain available throughout this period to assist employees with queries, guide them through paperwork, and provide career resources. This continued access ensures that affected workers can make the most of Amazon’s support network even as they prepare to leave the organisation.
