How Well Does Amazon Treat Their Employees?

Introduction

Amazon is an entity that constantly tries to present an image of being everything positive for its employees. From process teams to managers, the company emphasizes the principle that how well one treats their colleagues is reciprocated in their own treatment. This article delves into the experiences of former managers and team leaders within the logistics industry who have recently transitioned to Amazon, aiming to uncover the realities behind this positive image.

A Personal Perspective: From UPS and FedEx to Amazon

I have a diverse background in the logistics industry—my roles have included management at UPS and team leadership at FedEx. After 20 years in healthcare, I found myself pining for the shipping industry once again. At the age of 57, I joined Amazon, and it has been truly transformative. Currently, I am a tote runner, and to my pleasant surprise, I am excelling in this role, logging more than 13 miles in a 10-hour shift. I am genuinely amazed at the opportunities and, more importantly, the inclusive and respectful environment Amazon provides. Unlike in other industries, ageism is not a significant issue; whether you are a young professional or a seasoned individual, Amazon offers chances based on capability, not age.

The same can be said for individuals from various demographic backgrounds. I have met individuals who identify as gay, transgender, or are physically challenged, and they are all met with respect and given chances to contribute meaningfully. This diversity fosters a vibrant and inclusive workplace culture that significantly enhances the employee experience.

Empirical Evidence: Amazon Employee Reviews

Glassdoor, a platform for employee reviews, reflects these perceptions. With a 3.8-star rating, the positive reviews are clear: 75% recommend working at Amazon, and 82% approve of the CEO, Jeff Bezos. However, the picture is not entirely rosy. There are numerous individual, albeit anecdotal, horror stories that highlight the darker side of working at Amazon. These range from callous and ruthless management to burnout and hostility.

Key Factors in Evaluating Amazon's Treatment of Employees

When examining the overall treatment of employees, a few key factors stand out:

Employee Turnover

One of the most critical factors is employee turnover. Amazon's tech worker retention rate is below average when compared to industries like retail, where companies like Costco outperform significantly. This high turnover rate indicates that employee dissatisfaction is relatively high.

Benefits Offered

In terms of benefits, Amazon is only slightly below the top tier of tech companies. However, there have been criticisms regarding their maternity leave policy, which have been gradually improving over time. In contrast, Costco provides a much better benefit package, particularly for part-time employees working over 30 hours per week.

Public Perception

The public perception of these companies also plays a crucial role. While Costco is often lauded for its employee satisfaction and benefits, Amazon is more frequently criticized. Articles from the New York Times and other publications contribute to the perception that Amazon is not as employee-friendly as some of its competitors.

Positive Take: Amazon’s Compensation

One area where Amazon does stand out is in terms of compensation. They do pay very well, especially for tech roles, though they are not the top-payers. This is partly due to a necessity to attract and retain talent, given the well-documented challenges in treating employees well. Amazon’s ability to pay well also contributes to its ability to hire and onboard a large number of individuals with unique skills and experiences.

In conclusion, while Amazon's treatment of employees is a complex issue, the experiences shared by former managers and the data indicate a mixed bag of results. Whether your perspective is optimistic or skeptical, it is clear that the company is constantly evolving and striving to improve the overall employee experience.