Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has informed corporate employees that advances in artificial intelligence are likely to change the company’s workforce needs, potentially reducing the number of roles required in some areas over the coming years, the Guardian reports.
In a memo sent to white-collar staff, Jassy outlined how the increasing adoption of generative AI tools—such as chatbots—and autonomous AI agents will transform day-to-day operations.
“We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs,” he wrote.
Jassy acknowledged the uncertainty around the long-term effects but stated that a decline in the size of Amazon’s corporate workforce is anticipated. Amazon currently employs about 1.5 million people globally, with roughly 350,000 in corporate positions spanning functions like software engineering, product management, and marketing.
The memo comes amid growing conversation across industries about AI’s potential to reshape the workforce. Other business leaders, including the CEO of UK telecoms firm BT and Dario Amodei of AI company Anthropic, have recently expressed concern that automation could lead to significant reductions in entry-level and administrative roles.
Jassy predicted that AI agents will become widespread in both professional and personal life, handling tasks ranging from business operations to everyday chores.
“Many of these agents have yet to be built, but make no mistake, they’re coming, and coming fast,” he said.
While warning of job displacement, Jassy also encouraged employees to see AI as an opportunity. He urged staff to educate themselves in AI technologies and take advantage of internal training programs.
“Those who embrace this change, become conversant in AI, help us build and improve our AI capabilities internally and deliver for customers, will be well positioned,” he said.
Recent estimates from international organizations reflect a broader trend. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has projected that AI could impact skilled professions in law, medicine, and finance. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund estimates that about 60% of jobs in advanced economies are exposed to AI, with half potentially seeing negative effects.
Still, some analysts suggest the technology will generate new opportunities. The Tony Blair Institute, for example, has stated that although AI could displace up to 3 million private sector jobs in the UK, many of those losses may be offset by the emergence of new roles driven by the same technology.
