Amazon has reported safety measures and increased employee training efforts including team playbooks and disaster preparation plans for fulfillment and delivery teams to utilize in the upcoming holiday season.
Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, running from October 8 to October 9, 2024, mark the beginning of the holiday shopping season with exclusive deals for Prime members across categories like electronics, fashion, home, and toys, according to About Amazon. The event features offers from popular brands such as Dyson, Apple, and LEGO, with new deals dropping frequently throughout.
With participation from 19 countries, including the U.S., U.K., and Japan, shoppers can find holiday savings on a wide range of products, making it a major event for consumers gearing up for the season.
Behind the scenes, Amazon's fulfillment centers and delivery stations are at the heart of ensuring timely deliveries during major sales events like Prime Big Deal Days and the holidays. Planning for such events starts months in advance, according to an Amazon article, with training and onboarding processes for new hires being crucial to maintaining safe and efficient operations.
“Our employees are the heart and soul of our operation, and we want to show extra appreciation for their hard work during busy shopping events like Prime Day,” said Beryl Tomay, vice president of Transportation.
Fulfillment centers are responsible for picking, packing, and shipping orders, while delivery stations ensure packages are sorted and dispatched to drivers. Amazon managers, like Jae, oversee these operations, emphasizing safety training, from proper ergonomic techniques to emergency preparedness.
“We prepare a playbook for the team, which is essentially a one-stop shop for all the information an employee might need,” Jae said in an Amazon blogpost. The playbook “describes every single part of our operation from front to back."
Amazon has implemented safety protocols for the upcoming holiday season, including detailed training on navigating facilities and handling equipment. Additionally, teams prepare for potential disruptions, such as equipment malfunctions or severe weather. Amazon utilizes safety drills, playbooks, and regular meetings to ensure its workforce is well-prepared to handle the increased demand while maintaining a safe environment for employees.