According to sources, Amazon has recently laid off around 500 employees in India across various verticals. These job cuts are part of the broader layoffs announced by CEO Andy Jassy in March, which are expected to affect approximately 9,000 employees globally. The process of downsizing is still ongoing, with employees being let go from departments such as Web Services, Human Resources, and Support. It has been reported that some of the affected employees are part of Amazon’s global teams operating from India.
In a note to staff that was posted online, CEO Andy Jassy explained that the decision to downsize was driven by an analysis of priorities and the economic uncertainty prevailing at the time. Like many other companies, Amazon faced challenges during the pandemic as e-commerce growth slowed down and consumers gradually returned to their pre-pandemic shopping habits.
Amazon is not the only tech giant making cuts to its workforce, as other companies such as Meta (formerly Facebook) and Google have also announced layoffs in recent months. These actions come as a response to changing market dynamics and the need to realign resources and strategies.
In India specifically, Amazon’s e-commerce business has experienced a slowdown in growth, reflecting the challenging market conditions in the country. Despite being one of the largest online retailers globally, the company has faced stiff competition from local players and regulatory hurdles. These factors have contributed to a reevaluation of priorities and necessitated adjustments to the workforce.
As the downsizing continues, Amazon aims to streamline its operations and focus on areas that offer the greatest potential for growth and profitability. The company’s decision to reduce its workforce reflects the evolving landscape of the e-commerce industry and the need to adapt to changing market dynamics.