Amazon is once again preparing for a large-scale workforce reduction. According to media reports, the company may launch a new round of layoffs starting January 27, 2026, potentially affecting approximately 16,000 employees worldwide. This move is part of Amazon’s larger restructuring plan, which aims to eliminate around 30,000 corporate positions by mid-2026. This time, Indian teams are also expected to be significantly impacted.
Indian employees are likely to be among the most affected by Amazon’s layoff plans. Employees in Amazon Web Services (AWS), Prime Video, and other corporate departments are expected to be impacted. The company had launched a similar restructuring campaign at the end of 2025, eliminating approximately 14,000 positions in the first phase in October 2025.
Which country has the most Amazon employees?
Amazon has a total of 1.57 million employees worldwide. The largest number of employees is in the United States, followed by European countries. Indian employees rank third, but the Indian team’s size is continuously growing. Amazon employs approximately 75,000 to 80,000 people in India, including many in technical and corporate roles.
Next Steps and the Impact of Restructuring
Amazon aims to eliminate 30,000 corporate jobs by mid-2026. The second phase of this plan is now set to begin, with the potential elimination of another 16,000 positions. This round of layoffs is likely to affect technical roles and units, particularly Prime Video and AWS. Amazon had previously laid off 27,000 employees in 2022 and 2023 combined.
Layoffs Focused on White-Collar Staff
Amazon’s new round of layoffs will primarily focus on its white-collar corporate workforce. These layoffs will affect approximately 350,000 employees. The company has previously stated that this step is necessary for business restructuring and cost reduction.
Implications for Indian Employees
This is a challenging time for Indian employees. The Indian team plays a crucial role in Amazon’s global operations. Employees in technical roles, support, and operational departments need to be vigilant. Experts believe that while older, more experienced employees may be safe during this round of layoffs, newly hired employees will face a more challenging situation.
