Do Amazon terminate employees?

Yes, Amazon does terminate employees, like most large companies. Employee termination at Amazon can happen for several reasons, including performance issues, violating company policies, or as part of organizational restructuring. The company's focus on high productivity and efficiency in its fulfillment centers and corporate roles has led to a structured approach to performance management, and terminations can be a result of these standards.

Common Reasons for Termination at Amazon:

1. Performance Issues

Amazon has high performance standards, particularly in its fulfillment centers and technical roles. Employees are often measured against strict productivity goals. In warehouses, this might mean packing or picking a certain number of items per hour, while in corporate or technical roles, it could involve meeting specific project goals or KPIs.

• Performance Improvement Plans (PIP): Employees who are not meeting their targets may be placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP), which gives them a chance to improve. If performance doesn't improve during this period, the employee may be terminated.

2. Violating Company Policies

Amazon has strict policies and procedures that employees are expected to follow. Violating these policies, such as engaging in unethical behavior, harassment, safety violations, or abusing time-off systems, can lead to immediate termination.

• Example: Fulfillment center employees must follow strict safety rules. Violating safety protocols or productivity tracking systems (like taking unscheduled breaks) could result in termination.

3. Excessive Absenteeism or Attendance Issues

Amazon’s work environments, especially in warehouses, require consistent attendance. Repeated absenteeism, tardiness, or unauthorized time off can lead to termination.

• Points System: Some Amazon facilities use a points-based attendance system, where employees accumulate points for being late or missing shifts. Accumulating too many points can lead to termination.

4. Automation and Restructuring

In some cases, Amazon may terminate employees as part of organizational restructuring or automation efforts. With increasing automation in its warehouses, fewer workers may be needed for certain tasks, leading to layoffs or role elimination.

• Corporate Restructuring: In corporate and tech roles, Amazon occasionally undertakes restructuring, which may result in role redundancies and terminations.

5. Failing to Meet Behavioral Standards

Amazon places a strong emphasis on its Leadership Principles, and failing to meet behavioral or ethical expectations aligned with these principles can lead to termination.

• Cultural Fit: Employees who consistently fail to demonstrate behaviors aligned with Amazon’s core values, such as Customer Obsession or Deliver Results, may face disciplinary actions, including termination.

Performance Monitoring and Termination Processes:

1. Performance Metrics: In fulfillment centers, workers are closely monitored for productivity, and corporate employees are assessed through regular reviews.
2. PIP: Performance issues are often addressed through the Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) process, where employees are given time to improve before termination.
3. Policy Violations: Serious violations of company policies can lead to immediate termination without prior warnings.

While terminations at Amazon occur, the company also provides chances for employees to improve through programs like performance reviews, PIPs, and internal job mobility opportunities.