Plus: Yahoo’s new AI chatbot prioritizes links; Target CEO’s video message empathizes with employees.
Amazon announced another round of layoffs today, telling employees in a letter that about 16,000 roles globally would be impacted. The memo was also shared externally as a blog post.
The message, sent by SVP Beth Galetti, is short, to-the-point and clearly written with both employees and outside audiences in mind.
It opens by acknowledging that the news is hard: “I recognize this is difficult news, which is why I’m sharing what’s happening and why.” Galetti said.
Amazon then frames the layoffs as part of an ongoing effort to “reduce layers, increase ownership, and remove bureaucracy.”
This language avoids terms like “cost-cutting” or “downsizing” and instead positions the move as operational and “long term optimization,” not a response to short term pressure.
It also anticipates employee anxiety about what comes next, addressing fears that layoffs could become routine.
“Some of you might ask if this is the beginning of a new rhythm – where we announce broad reductions every few months. That’s not our plan. But just as we always have, every team will continue to evaluate the ownership, speed, and capacity to invent for customers, and make adjustments as appropriate. That’s never been more important than it is today in a world that’s changing faster than ever.”
This reassurance is meant to limit speculation. Galetti emphasized how it will support affected employees moving forward, saying employees will have time to pursue internal roles, and those who leave will receive severance and transition assistance.
She added: “While we’re making these changes, we’ll also continue hiring and investing in strategic areas and functions that are critical to our future. We’re still in the early stages of building every one of our businesses and there’s significant opportunity ahead.”
Why it matters: Mass layoffs are never easy to share, especially amid heightened concerns about job security. Employees and outside stakeholders expect clarity and transparency around decisions like these.
By publishing the message publicly, Amazon is proactively shaping how stakeholders understand its reasoning and plans.
Opening with empathy helps preserve trust, even when the outcome is negative. Framing layoffs as structural improvement rather than financial distress can also reduce panic internally and externally.
Anticipating employee questions matters too. Naming what people are likely worried about and addressing it directly can slow rumors and protect morale.
Clear details about what comes next for affected employees help show the company is acting responsibly, which Amazon handled well.
For PR and comms teams, this letter shows how carefully chosen language can shape media coverage, brand perception and audience confidence, especially when difficult news is likely to travel fast.
Editor’s Top Reads:
- Yahoo launched a new AI-powered search tool called Yahoo Scout that blends traditional search with generative AI. The tool delivers quick answers while still showing lots of live links to real websites instead of hiding sources behind chat-style responses. The Verge reports Scout makes clickable links front and center and feels more like a search engine. Yahoo said it wants Scout to drive traffic back to content creators and publishers rather than replace the open web with AI summaries. This launch points to a shift in how AI search tools may balance direct answers with real website traffic. Many AI search and chat tools have given summaries that don’t send people back to the source, which has frustrated publishers and brands who rely on visibility. With Scout prioritizing visible links and citations, PR pros may find new opportunities to show client content in AI-assisted search results, especially if the content ranks well organically and is structured to be cited clearly.
- Target’s incoming CEO, Michael Fiddelke, sent a video message to staff addressing the recent violence in Minneapolis, which has since been made public, Business Insider In his message, Fiddelke said the violence and loss of life in the community where Target is headquartered is “incredibly painful” and acknowledged its strong emotional impact on employees, customers and residents. He spoke as someone raising a family in the Twin Cities and stressed that Target’s top priority is the safety of team members and guests. Fiddelke did not explicitly name ICE or Donald Trump. Instead, he framed his comments about community pain and the need for “constructive dialogue and de-escalation.” He also discussed signing an open letter with more than 60 other Minnesota business leaders calling for calm, and said he plans to spend his first days as CEO listening to employees in the field. Rather than taking a political stance or naming specific actors, he chose general language that acknowledges emotional impact, prioritizes safety and stresses shared community values. However, by focusing on safety without addressing what caused the unrest, the message risks being interpreted as skirting responsibility or leadership. Understandably, Fiddelke is trying to walk a thin line by acknowledging the current atmosphere while avoiding political crossfire. But trying to stay neutral in a sensitive situation can backfire if stakeholders want clarity, accountability or action.
- Minnesota Vikings radio voice Paul Allen announced he’s taking time off from his KFAN radio show after backlash over comments he made about protests in Minneapolis. On a recent broadcast, Allen joked about whether people demonstrating against ICE agents were “paid protesters,” Heavy After an outpouring of anger, Allen offered a pre-recorded on-air apology: “I made a comment on air…that was insensitive and poorly timed, and I’m sorry. It was a misguided attempt at humor and, while it was never meant with any ill intent or political affront, I absolutely and wholeheartedly want to apologize to those who genuinely were hurt or offended by it.” He emphasized that his show is meant to be entertainment, not political commentary. Allen’s direct apology took responsibility, showed empathy and explained intent without making excuses. By stressing that his platform is meant to be non-political, he also tried to reset expectations after the misstep.
Courtney Blackann is a communications reporter. Connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at courtneyb@ragan.com.
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