Team siliconindia

• Amazon trims 14,000 corporate roles, focusing on its devices division.
• Company leaders urge remaining employees to “lean in on AI” for efficiency.
• Restructuring aims to make hardware operations more sustainable and AI-driven.

Amazon has reportedly laid off around 14,000 employees across departments, including its Devices division, as part of a broader restructuring plan. Following the layoffs, the company has directed remaining staff to adapt quickly and embrace artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and future growth.

Tapas Roy, Vice President of Device Software and Services, confirmed in an internal memo that the OS & Services team had been impacted. He urged employees to focus on projects that directly benefit customers and use AI tools to boost productivity. “I encourage you to focus on work that impacts our customers, leverage AI to enhance effectiveness, and simplify unnecessary processes”, Roy stated.

The devices unit, which manages popular products like Echo speakers, Fire tablets, and Kindle e-readers, has faced profitability challenges despite strong consumer adoption. The restructuring signals Amazon’s intent to streamline the business and integrate AI more deeply into its product and operational strategies.

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Amazon’s HR chief, Beth Galetti, described the move as part of a 'leaner phase' for the company, noting that AI will play a larger role in automating repetitive tasks and accelerating innovation. The layoffs are part of an ongoing cost-optimization effort, with notifications already issued in the U.S. and Canada, while other regions follow local consultation rules.

The company assured affected employees of continued access to support through its Employee Assistance Program, acknowledging the emotional impact of the workforce changes.