Amazon, one of the world's leading e-commerce companies, has recently implemented new flexible working initiatives aimed at supporting the needs of its employees. The introduction of term-time contracts and flexible part-time contracts demonstrates Amazon's commitment to work-life balance and providing opportunities for individuals with family or other commitments that require flexibility. These innovative measures have been driven by employee feedback and are hopefully set to make a positive difference for many workers within the company.
To better assist parents and grandparents in juggling their childcare responsibilities with work, Amazon has introduced "term-time-only contracts" for employees in its UK warehouses. This ground-breaking policy allows workers to align their holidays with their children's school breaks, providing them with six weeks off during the summer and two weeks off during Easter and Christmas when schools are closed. By offering this flexibility, Amazon aims to support family needs and promote a healthy work-life balance.
Amazon has also launched a new flexible part-time contract option. Employees now have the freedom to choose from a minimum of 80 hours per month and customise their shifts based on their personal requirements. This contract aids individuals who may be unable to find work due to family or other commitments, giving them the opportunity to return to the workplace on their terms.
Amazon believe that the success of this initiative, which has been piloted at several fulfilment centres and expanded to additional sites, further emphasises their commitment to listening to employee feedback and implementing meaningful change.
John Boumphrey - Amazon's UK Country Manager - expressed his enthusiasm for these new initiatives, stating that they provide even more choice for employees. He stated:
“I’m delighted to announce these new flexible working initiatives that provide even more choice for current and future employees, enabling them to better manage their home and work commitments.
He added:
“Providing a flexible part-time contract where people can pick the shifts that best suit their needs will support our employees’ partners and other job-seekers with family caring commitments a route back to the workplace, helping to boost household income.”
By offering term-time contracts and flexible part-time options, Amazon say they aim to support its employees' partners and other job-seekers who have family caring responsibilities. It is hoped these measures not only contribute to improved work-life balance but also help increase household income by providing opportunities for individuals to return to the workplace and contribute to their families' financial well-being.
The introduction of these flexible contracts is a direct result of employees' desires for greater work flexibility. Marianna Desai - Regional Operations Director - expressed pride in the company's ability to introduce new and innovative options based on employee feedback. She said:
“We’ve listened to our employees’ views on flexible working and I’m really proud that we’ve introduced new and innovative options based on their feedback.
“Both of these contracts put a really important emphasis on work-life balance and I’m certain they’re going to make a positive difference for many of our people.”
