Amazon has cut approximately 250 jobs in its devices and services division as the technology giant seeks to streamline operations and align its workforce with product development priorities.
The company confirmed the job reductions on Wednesday following an inquiry by Reuters. A person familiar with the matter said the cuts affected no more than 250 employees, primarily in software development.
An Amazon spokesperson said the company had made the difficult decision to eliminate a small number of roles to “operate more efficiently and better align with our product roadmap”. The company did not provide further details about the affected positions.
Employees were informed of the layoffs through text messages and emails sent early Wednesday morning, following the company’s customary notification process. An email reviewed by Reuters was sent by Cherie Robinson, a vice president in human resources for the devices and services division. It said a thorough review of the company’s organisational structure had led to the decision to reduce staffing.
The cuts come after weeks of product announcements from Amazon, including new Kindle e-readers and tablet computers. On Wednesday, the company also announced a new alarm clock and photo frame powered by its Alexa voice assistant.
Earlier this month, Amazon eliminated approximately 1,000 positions in its core retail division, indicating that workforce restructuring is continuing across different parts of the business.
The latest reductions highlight the company’s efforts to reassess staffing requirements while continuing to develop consumer devices and services. However, Amazon has not disclosed the expected financial savings from the latest round of layoffs.
The company is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings after the market closes on Thursday. The results could provide further insight into its financial performance and spending priorities.
Source: Reuters
