AI and Jobs: Amazon CEO Says Fewer People Needed in the Future

Intermediate | June 25, 2025

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Big Changes Coming to Amazon’s Workplace

The head of Amazon, CEO Andy Jassy, recently shared his thoughts on how Artificial Intelligence, or AI, will change the company. And it sounds like big changes are coming, especially for the people who work there.

Amazon CEO on AI and Jobs

In a message to employees, Jassy explained that AI is becoming a huge part of how Amazon works. Things like generative AI and special AI assistants (sometimes called agents) are already being used more and more. This technology is getting really good at doing tasks that people used to do.

What Does This Mean for Jobs?

Fewer Corporate Roles Ahead

So, what’s the result of all this AI? Well, Jassy said clearly that because of the efficiency AI brings, Amazon will “need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today.” He expects that over the next few years, this will actually reduce the total number of corporate employees at Amazon.

Not All Jobs Are Disappearing

This doesn’t mean everyone will lose their job. Jassy mentioned that while some jobs will require fewer people, there will be a need for more people in other types of jobs. The exact number of job changes is hard to know right now, but the trend is clear: AI is making the corporate workforce leaner.

Areas Where Amazon Is Using AI

Amazon is investing a lot of money in AI, and they are already using it in many areas like their shopping website, advertising, cloud computing services (AWS), and even with their Alexa product. Jassy is encouraging employees to learn about AI and find ways to use it. He believes that employees who embrace this change will be successful and help the company keep growing and changing.

Embracing the Future

Amazon CEO on AI and Jobs in the Wider World

This news from Amazon’s CEO is a strong signal about how technology is changing the workplace everywhere, not just at Amazon. It shows that companies are looking to AI to become more productive. For workers, it highlights the importance of adapting and learning new skills in a world that’s quickly becoming more automated.

Vocabulary

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) (noun): The highest-ranking person in a company, responsible for making the most important decisions.
Example: “The CEO announced the company’s new plan to use AI.”
Artificial Intelligence (AI) (noun): The development of computer systems that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, like learning and problem-solving.
Example: “AI is changing how many industries operate today.”
Generative AI (noun): A type of AI that can create new content, like text, images, or code.
Example: “She used generative AI to write a first draft of her email.”
Corporate Workforce (noun): The group of people who work in the offices and management parts of a company, rather than in areas like factories or warehouses.
Example: “The company is planning to reduce its corporate workforce to save money.”
Efficiency Gains (noun phrase): Improvements that allow tasks to be done more quickly or with fewer resources.
Example: “Using new software led to significant efficiency gains in the team.”
Integration (noun): The process of combining things so they work together.
Example: “The integration of the new system was smooth.”
Embrace (verb): To accept and support something willingly and enthusiastically.
Example: “Employees were encouraged to embrace the new technology.”
Conversant (adjective): Familiar with or knowledgeable about something.
Example: “You should become conversant in AI if you work in tech.”
Impactful (adjective): Having a strong effect on someone or something.
Example: “Her presentation was very impactful and changed how we think.”
Reinvent (verb): To change something so much that it appears to be entirely new.
Example: “The company needs to reinvent itself to stay competitive.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What did Amazon CEO Andy Jassy say about AI’s impact on the company’s workforce?
What types of AI did Jassy mention are being used more at Amazon?
Why does Jassy expect AI to lead to a smaller corporate workforce?
What does Jassy advise employees to do in response to the rise of AI?
Where is Amazon already using AI in its business operations?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

How do you think AI might change your current or future job?
What are some benefits of using AI in the workplace?
What are some potential challenges or concerns about AI replacing human jobs?
How can people prepare themselves for a job market that is increasingly influenced by AI?
Do you think the rise of AI will create more new jobs than it eliminates?

Related Idiom

A double-edged sword
Meaning: Something that has both advantages and disadvantages.
Example: “While AI can bring efficiency, its effect on jobs is a ‘double-edged sword.'”

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This article was inspired by: WSJ, June 19, 2025