Learning on an "Amazonian" scale
I was lucky enough to go on a tour of the Amazon BHX4 fulfilment centre at Coventry this week. This is a new site for Amazon, one of two in Europe dedicated to the distribution of associated seller items around the UK and Europe, using smarter working to minimise their carbon footprint.
It was clear that Amazon are aware of the drawbacks to employees that are in all organisations across the logistics / warehouse industry such as noise, task repetition, and so on. And whilst they do make efforts to support and engage their employees in this environment, these drawbacks cannot be completely negated.
There was a definite focus on employee benefits and facilities such as free drinks, on site canteen catering for all shift patterns, games room, several different reward and bonus schemes, and enhanced pay rates for overtime (up to double time). And, amazingly (or should that be “Amazoningly”?) employees with a least one year’s service are entitled to be funded for 95% of course fees to undertake training of their choice whether it is related to their Amazon role or not.
On the flip side, the tour did not cover everywhere and there was not much chance to speak to employees other than those giving the tour (from the PR team I believe). We did learn that in most areas employees swipe in to the line they are working on using their ID, then if they are inactive for 6 minutes or more, they are checked on by their manager, explained as for their own safety but felt quite like micro management. And a standard working week of 40 hours was offered on a choice of shift patterns, but not flexible working.
Then there is the technology…..some pretty nifty kit managing the parcels and making the best use of the space available.
So, what did I learn? That Amazon are invested in their employees but that it is still a tough working environment that won’t suit everyone. Oh, and the site is HUGE!!!!
Overall, a really informative experience that I would definitely recommend to anyone open to learning.
