Amazon CEO clearly states AI is coming for jobs; Google exec tells workers buyouts are ’supportive exit path’

Plus, the ties between stress, declining production and comms.

Greetings, comms pros! Let’s take a look at a few news items from the past week and see what we can learn from them.

1. Amazon CEO gets honest with employees: AI ‘will reduce our total corporate workforce’

Amazon chief Andy Jassy sent a memo to the company’s employees about the implications of generative AI on the tech giant’s business processes — and a piece of the note about AI coming for jobs has garnered attention.

As we roll out more Generative AI and agents, it should change the way our work is done. We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs. It’s hard to know exactly where this nets out over time, but in the next few years, we expect that this will reduce our total corporate workforce as we get efficiency gains from using AI extensively across the company.

A report from Business Insider detailed responses on Amazon’s internal Slack channels and reported that dozens of employees panned the move. One message in particular said that Jassy’s message was bad for employee morale.

There are two comms pieces to unpack from this memo and the reaction to it. First, there’s Jassy’s handling of AI rollouts. As a leader, people want to hear from him whenever big changes are on the way at the company. Jassy is transparent in stating that job cuts are on the horizon due to advancements in and the adoption of AI. He also informs the reader that those best positioned for the next move will be those with AI skills. It’s not going to be much of a comfort for some employees, but at least it’s clear.

The lesson here is that transparent leadership communications are necessary in a time of major change. When a shift is on the horizon, being as clear as possible about what lies ahead for both employees is a must. Whether it’s about pending job cuts due to technological advancement in the case of Amazon or another situation, leaders should be sure to approach change comms with humanity and words that affirm trust. Words matter when the winds of change are blowing, but how they’re said matters too. They should reflect the company’s tone and voice and emphasize the fact that employees are the heart of the organization.

2. Google candidly tells employees buyouts might be a ‘supportive’ way out for underperformers

Google has offered buyouts to employees across the company, in a move slated to reduce headcount and an alternative to layoffs.

CNBC reported that the buyouts are a continuation of a “voluntary exit program” that was introduced earlier this year. 

Additionally, Nick Fox, head of Google’s knowledge and information department, shared a memo with employees stating that the buyouts were a chance for lower-performing employees to move on to other companies in a supported fashion.

“I want to be very clear: If you’re excited about your work, energized by the opportunity ahead, and performing well, I really (really!) hope you don’t take this! We have ambitious plans and tons to get done,” Fox wrote, according to the memo which was reviewed by CNBC. “On the other hand, this VEP offers a supportive exit path for those of you who don’t feel aligned with our strategy, don’t feel energized by your work, or are having difficulty meeting the expectations of your role.”

Fox’s way of describing the buyout programs to Google’s employees is notable because it says pretty plainly — if you’re not performing up to our standards, here is a way out that’s at least somewhat supportive of you. In addition, Fox speaks supportively to high performers, and also reaches out to employees who might feel stuck in their work or are questioning the direction of the company. The broad message includes more people.

Buyout communications can prove complex, but nailing them out the gate is key. In a case like this, in which Google is promoting buyouts to employees, communicators should be sure to create messaging that touts the benefits for a buyout recipient. Keeping that communication within the tone and values of the company can help employees feel supported throughout the process. For instance, comms pros could create intranet pages or video breakdowns of the benefits waiting for buyout recipients and the details of the process for easier access.

Clarity in every part of the employee communication journey, from onboarding to exit, can prove a major boost to company culture. A smooth offboarding comms process may even create boomerang employees in the future.

3. Report: Employee stress and cultural disconnects are killing productivity — but comms can help 

It’s often said that a happy employee is a productive one. New data seems prove the inverse is also true. Data from meQuillibrium’s Summer 2025 State of the Workforce Report stated that stress and disconnects from company culture are actively to blame for declines in productivity.

The report showed that 42% of the survey’s respondents claimed they were harboring uncertainty-related stress about their jobs. Additionally, 60% of respondents reported a decline in productivity related to stress, and 66% said that productivity among culturally disconnected employees in their organizations was a problem.

This data underpins the importance of employee engagement communications. In times of high stress and economic uncertainty, people rely on their jobs as a source of stability and connection. Communicators may not be able to fix every factor going into the disconnects at play, but they can ensure that they’re both giving employees a place to share concerns and providing content and connection points to help with employee engagement. Something as simple as a series of intranet posts showing a glimpse into the lives of employees outside work or frequent update messages from leaders can help bring more humanity and connection to work.

Productivity and connectivity are inextricably linked. Communicators can be the bridge to help form connections to boost the experience and productivity of employees.

4. How about some good news?

• Golf pro J.J. Spaun went to the store to get medicine for his sick daughter at 3 a.m. last weekend — and won the U.S. Open the following day.
• A welder leaned into his training and built a custom lock box to combat porch pirates.
• A recent study has linked drinking black coffee to a prolonged life.
• Ragan Training is great for communications pros to find inspiration and resources.
• You should be rewarded for your work. Find out how to earn an award here!

Have a great weekend comms all-stars!

Sean Devlin is an editor at Ragan Communications. In his spare time he enjoys Philly sports and trivia.

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