Amazon’s retail division has frozen its hiring budget for 2024, maintaining a ‘flat headcount opex’ compared to the previous year. An internal email revealed that increases in the hiring budget will require strong justification. This shift focuses on managing operating expenses rather than specific headcount targets, allowing managers more flexibility in compensation expenses. The change applies only to corporate employees in Amazon’s retail business, not warehouse or AWS staff. Amazon spokesperson Zoe Hoffman emphasized this as a responsible growth strategy, noting that not increasing the hiring budget does not equate to halting hiring. CEO Andy Jassy continues to prioritize efficiency and profit margins, with cost-cutting measures ongoing since 2021. — new from Business Insider
