New York City, November 24, 2025
Amazon has announced the layoff of nearly 700 corporate employees based in New York City as part of a restructuring initiative aimed at enhancing efficiency and integrating artificial intelligence (AI). The layoffs will impact employees at several Manhattan offices, with affected workers receiving support measures including severance pay and health benefits. This move follows previous layoffs globally and aligns with the company’s focus on automation and operational streamlining amidst a competitive market.
Amazon to Lay Off Nearly 700 Employees in NYC
A significant workforce reduction reflects a broader strategy for efficiency and AI integration at the tech giant.
New York City – Amazon has announced the layoff of nearly 700 corporate employees based in New York City as part of a company-wide restructuring initiative aimed at reducing bureaucracy and improving operational efficiency. This reallocation of resources coincides with a renewed focus on adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, underscoring the tech giant’s commitment to staying competitive in an evolving marketplace.
The layoffs will impact employees across several Amazon offices in Manhattan, notably at the former Lord & Taylor building located at 424 Fifth Avenue and 5 Manhattan West at 450 West 33rd Street. The specific numbers of affected employees have been documented in Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notifications (WARN) submitted to the New York State Department of Labor. Employees slated for termination will receive at least a 90-day notice before their separation dates, which are anticipated to occur between January and May 2026. Affected personnel will also have access to transitional support, including severance packages, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits.
This restructuring comes on the heels of Amazon’s announcement in October 2025 regarding the elimination of approximately 14,000 corporate roles globally, representing about 4% of its corporate workforce. These strategic moves reflect CEO Andy Jassy’s ongoing commitment to streamlining operations and investing in AI-driven processes, highlighting the tech sector’s pivot towards automation and efficiency. As per the company’s statements, further layoffs may be expected into 2026 as Amazon continues to fine-tune its workforce needs under this revised operational model.
Amazon’s Growth in New York City
Amazon’s presence in New York City has evolved significantly over the years. The investment in the former Lord & Taylor building, which the company acquired in 2020 and redeveloped into a vibrant office campus for over 2,000 employees, represents a long-term commitment to the city. Moreover, Amazon has expanded its local footprint through additional leases, including significant space in 10 Bryant Park, and collaborations with co-working providers like WeWork. This growth trajectory has positioned New York City as a crucial hub for Amazon’s corporate operations.
Implications of AI Adoption
The shift towards increased AI integration within Amazon’s operations reflects wider trends within the industry, where businesses are actively seeking to leverage technology for enhanced productivity. As Amazon re-evaluates its workforce requirements, the focus is on optimizing resources to ensure that the company remains competitive in a rapidly changing landscape where technological advancements are paramount. This strategic direction signifies an opportunity for innovation, as small businesses and startups can also embrace similar technologies to drive efficiency and foster growth.
Employee Support Measures
Recognizing the impact of job losses on its workforce, Amazon has committed to offering comprehensive support to those affected by the layoffs. This includes severance pay, access to outplacement services to aid in job placement, and health insurance benefits to ensure that employees have transitional assistance during this challenging time. Such measures highlight the importance of corporate responsibility in mitigating the effects of workforce reductions on individuals and their families.
Conclusion
The decision to lay off employees in New York City illustrates a notable shift in Amazon’s operational strategy, aligning with broader trends towards increased efficiency and technological integration. As the company adapts to the changing business landscape, it is vital for local stakeholders to remain engaged with the economic developments in their surroundings. Supporting local businesses and innovation can foster resilience in an ever-changing economy. New York City’s diverse and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem stands to benefit from embracing these technological advancements, ensuring that it continues to thrive as a center of economic activity.
FAQ
What is the reason for Amazon’s layoffs in New York City?
Amazon is laying off nearly 700 corporate employees based in New York City as part of a broader restructuring effort to reduce bureaucracy and enhance efficiency, particularly through increased adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Which Amazon offices in New York City are affected by the layoffs?
The layoffs will affect employees across several Amazon offices in Manhattan, including the former Lord & Taylor building at 424 Fifth Avenue and 5 Manhattan West at 450 West 33rd Street.
When will the layoffs take effect?
The company has provided at least 90 days’ notice to all impacted employees before their scheduled separations, which are set to occur between January and May 2026.
What support will affected employees receive?
Affected employees will receive transitional support, including severance pay, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits.
How does this fit into Amazon’s broader workforce strategy?
In October 2025, Amazon announced plans to cut approximately 14,000 corporate jobs globally, representing about 4% of its corporate workforce. This decision aligns with CEO Andy Jassy’s strategy to streamline operations and invest more heavily in AI-driven processes. The company has indicated that additional layoffs may occur into 2026 as it continues to focus on efficiency gains and reducing management layers.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Layoffs | Nearly 700 corporate employees in New York City |
| Reason for Layoffs | Restructuring to reduce bureaucracy and enhance efficiency through AI adoption |
| Affected Locations | Former Lord & Taylor building at 424 Fifth Avenue and 5 Manhattan West at 450 West 33rd Street |
| Layoff Timeline | Separations scheduled between January and May 2026 |
| Employee Support | Severance pay, outplacement services, and health insurance benefits |
| Global Layoffs | Approximately 14,000 corporate jobs globally, about 4% of corporate workforce |
| CEO’s Strategy | Streamline operations and invest in AI-driven processes |
Now Happening on X
- @BenksWinarso (November 23, 2025): Amazon’s layoffs impacted nearly 40% of 4,700 positions across Washington, New York, New Jersey, and California, with significant cuts in engineering, video games, advertising, and AI search roles. View on X
- @xray_media_news (November 19, 2025): October 2025 saw a surge in AI-driven layoffs with 153K job cuts, the highest for any October since 2003, including 31K directly tied to AI displacement amid broader economic concerns. View on X
- @smp0312 (November 19, 2025): Amazon is laying off thousands of corporate workers, with 14K to 30K cuts attributed to AI streamlining, as the company invests in artificial intelligence to replace human roles. View on X
- @DianeB528 (November 19, 2025): Amazon has laid off almost 700 NYC-based corporate employees as part of ongoing restructuring efforts. View on X
- @Brookltnwilliw (November 19, 2025): Amazon is quitting operations in NYC under Mamdani’s influence, leading to hundreds of job losses in Manhattan and impacting the local economy. View on X
- @athenaforall (November 17, 2025): Amazon’s “streamlining” layoffs appear to prioritize executive enrichment over worker support, raising questions about the true motives behind the cuts. View on X
- @jstarhenry (November 17, 2025): Amazon’s pullout from NYC results in hundreds of layoffs in Manhattan alone, highlighting economic challenges for the region. View on X
- @AGarcia_43 (November 20, 2025): Amazon’s layoffs of over 14K employees due to AI efficiencies underscore the need for universal basic income, as acknowledged by tech leaders like Elon Musk facing mass job displacement. View on X
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