Amazon's Push to Cut Costs Triggers Fears of Fewer Promotions

Andy Jassy’s campaign to flatten Amazon.com Inc.’s middle management ranks has started rippling through the company, raising fears about the prospect of lean years and fewer promotions for experienced corporate staffers.

Employees in multiple departments describe an uncertain workplace, where old career paths are drying up and managers fear replacement by lower-paid people with less experience. Workers wanting to know how they can ascend the corporate ladder have been told to consider “horizontal development.” Translation: You can learn new skills but they don’t necessarily come with better titles or more money.