Amazon’s Recent Layoffs: A Shift in Corporate Culture or Impact of H-1B Visas?
Amazon’s announcement of shedding 14,000 corporate jobs—potentially increasing to 30,000—has created waves in the tech industry. This follows a significant layoff spree in 2022–23. Key points include:
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Job Cuts by State:
- Washington: 2,303 layoffs, including 670 software development engineers.
- California: 1,540 layoffs, with 558 software development engineers affected.
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Cultural Implications: Amazon aims to “strengthen our culture,” suggesting the layoffs are more about maintaining a competitive edge than merely technological advancement.
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Role of H-1B Visas:
- Amazon is the largest user of the H-1B visa program, recently filing for over 8,508 new positions in Washington alone.
- Historical data suggests a pattern where new H-1B hires coincide with layoffs.
As we navigate the evolving landscape of corporate employment, it’s crucial to examine these trends and their implications.
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