warehouse worker

seasonal associate

package handler

warehouse associate

packer

Amazon Warehouse

I had the opportunity to work at an Amazon warehouse, and I must say, it was an incredibly positive experience. While the pace was undeniably fast, it was never unreasonable, and I found it to be both invigorating and rewarding. Here are a few key points that made my time at the Amazon warehouse truly exceptional:

Fast-Paced Environment: The first thing that struck me about working at the Amazon warehouse was the energetic atmosphere. The fast pace ensured that there was always something happening, keeping me engaged and motivated throughout the day. This dynamic environment made the workdays fly by, and I constantly felt a sense of accomplishment.

Structured Work Processes: Amazon's dedication to efficiency is truly remarkable. The company has implemented streamlined processes that allow employees to carry out their tasks effectively. From the moment I started, I received thorough training and clear instructions on how to perform my duties efficiently. This level of organization and structure not only made the work more manageable but also helped me enhance my skills and knowledge.

Teamwork and Collaboration: One of the highlights of working at the Amazon warehouse was the strong emphasis on teamwork. Colleagues and supervisors were always ready to lend a helping hand or provide guidance whenever needed. The collaborative environment fostered a sense of camaraderie and created a positive working atmosphere. It felt great to be part of a team that worked together towards common goals.

Opportunities for Growth: Amazon truly values its employees and provides numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. During my time at the warehouse, I had the chance to take part in various training programs and skill-building initiatives. The company offers a clear career progression path and encourages employees to develop their talents, ensuring that they can thrive both within and outside the warehouse environment.

Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Amazon takes care of its employees by offering competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and even employee discounts. Knowing that I was working for a company that values its workforce and provides ample rewards was truly satisfying.

Overall, working at the Amazon warehouse was an enriching experience that provided me with valuable skills, personal growth, and a strong sense of purpose. The fast pace, although demanding, was never unreasonable, and the supportive working environment made all the difference. If you're seeking a challenging and rewarding job, I highly recommend considering a position at an Amazon warehouse.

Where do I begin?

This place is a joke, I got hired on as a temp for the 4th quarter season (fall-winter) last year because it's the busiest. They hire on like 150 temp workers for this and then fire all of us on the first week of January. 

There's only like 20-30 full time Amazon employees, the rest were temps from Amazon's in-house staffing agency SMX. Us temps get paid 12/hr while the perms make over 15/hr plus benefits. The temps get pushed harder and harder while the perms slack off.

We have "coaches", two over weight guys who walk around telling us how we can go through the isles and pick at a faster rate, oh yeah they want you to pick 130 picks a hour, that's one every 33 seconds throughout a vast warehouse, where you scan guns sends you from one side to the next. The coaches don't do anything other than that and get paid more than the temps for it.

You have "safety" guys who don't do jack but walk around pointing out errors in your lifting techniques or that your moving too fast in/out of aisles.

So the "safety" guys tell you to slow down, while management tells you to speed up. Anyone with a brain knows safety/speed don't go hand-in-hand.

The SMX staffing guy is a complete 'you know what'. And treats you like scum. Even though you pick at a faster speed than the permanents. If you make 130 picks a hour then he wants you to pick 140 your next shift and so on.

The permanents walk around leisurely at there own pace, laughing cracking jokes and the bosses don't care. The temps are pushed like machines, and if your caught having a 1 minute convo with a fellow temp you get "written up".

They dangle this carrot in front of you that you will get hired on as permanent if you work hard, this is a complete lie there is way too many temps and not enough full time permanent positions, the permanent positions are already filled and staffed.

Amazon is a joke and they cut corners buy hiring slave labor temps for there busiest season then save money buy firing them all after. They force you to work overtime, if you don't you get "2 points" you have 6 points till SMX fires you, being sick is 1.5 points.

The only positive is that all of the temps are friendly and cool people. The permanent employees are not and treat temps like dirt.

In the Canadian job market there are more than enough jobs out there that pay 12+ with benefits and management that cares about you and actually treats you well.

TL;DR ..... Avoid working at Amazon (Amazon Delta, Annacis Island) like the plague.

Easy to get in, almost no question at interview, only criminal check. (So probably the easiest job to get in) 
Good pay and good benefit (Health/Dental Care), even they offer Amazon stock. Nice cafeteria, has public transportation access 24 hours.

However that's the end of Pro. ****************
This is the only company that I know of which uses the word "Termination" at least 100 times during orientation on the first day. It is rather threatening than introduction.

Everything is controlled/watched by Computer, including time card. You are allowed to have only 5 minutes variance on start and end time which include entrance and work station sign-in/out time. (If you're late/early 3 times, you're out)

The target is set so that 75% associate can achieve (with best effort) and Amazon is expecting achieve 100% or more constantly without error regardless condition, they think human can work like a robot. This means at least 25% will lose job soon or later. They post the achievement result after every break, it is like a bad high school, Amazon makes you feel guilty on poor performance. I saw many associates crying in washroom and cafeteria, and sadly, young associate drink those carbonated caffeine drink to keep up for target. If you couldn't achieve the target, the guy in orange jacket (supervisor) carrying old laptop came to you and gives you warning. (3 warning will terminate your job legally because of signed document at the begining)

I have a feeling there is definitely favorism exist, how can any person can achieve 300% of target within very short period? the system only count the pieces, doesn't consider weight or size. (So picking/packing one music CD or SD Card is the same as one dozen can of pop)

10 Hours shift is really tough. Although there is two break during shift, it takes ten minutes to get cafeteria depend on where your work station is.
It is super hot during summer, and very noisy. The equipment is out of shape, often need more maintenance, unfortunately their measurement system doesn't count these fact as excuse.

********************
Although there may be easier position you may get, avoid this job unless you're desperate.

Amazon has a great work environment, which is one of the few benefits of working there. At first, I really enjoyed my time at amazon, as I spent a year working at an Amazon Fulfillment center.  Unfortunately by the end of the year I was really starting to hate my job and eventually decided it was best to quit and move on considering how competitive it got.

Pros:
-Great Work Environment
-As long as you are a friendly individual, the managers are fantastic and very supportive for the most part. 
-The benefits can be a plus depending
-Most coworkers I found to be a joy to work with and kept in touch with them after leaving
-Amazon is a huge brand and would look good on any resume
-mandatory rates weed out people who don't pull their weight. 

Cons: 
-starting wage in the fulfillment center is only $14 an hour which is extremely low considering you're expected to make extremely high rates which are constantly being pushed up and your wage stays the same.  It's also low because they require you to get trained as a pit driver.  The thing is the average wage for a pit/forklift driver where I live is 16-17$ an hour, so the wage does not match the level of performance they expect from you. 
-with any fulfillment center having 200+ employees, it can be extremely difficult to move anywhere in the company unless you compete with everyone's rates consistently.  This alone is extremely tiring and is again, not worth $14 an hour.
-Shifts are 10 hours which wouldn't be a bad thing if their expectations weren't so high.
-Mandatory overtime, especially during the holidays is extremely exhausting and time consuming as they sometimes require you to work 3-4 weeks straight working 50 hours a week. 
-Holidays for amazon and prime week are a complete mess since every employee has to work on those days and half the time, the workload is just too much to handle. And still the wage is $14 an hour. 
-The rates are too high for any job positioned at.  everyone gets counted per item or action they do on an hourly basis and if you don't meet the rates too much, you'll be fired. Sometimes, you have to run just to keep up with everyone else.

I am here to tell you the truth about working for Amazon. I am going to reveal all of what no one will ever tell you about how it is to work for Amazon. Let me start with the lesser of the problems. They have a horrible work/life balance considering all shifts across any Amazon are as follows: 10 hour shifts, 4 days a week. Considering that, do not get lost in the brilliant idea that you will get 3 days off. I promise you that you will sleep the entire first day off that you have, leaving you realistically with only 2 days off. Another thing to consider is that you will be working those 10 hours in steel toed shoes on CEMENT ground. It is long hours on your feet and very uncomfortable, I remember seeing every new employee who walked in there limping for the first 3 weeks because of severe blisters on their heels/toes. Next I will mention how physically demanding this job is. I know they tell you before you start that it will be physically demanding and that you need to consent to lifting a certain amount of weight, but they never tell you that you will be exposed to having to lift items that are 120 pounds and up BY YOURSELF even if the box has team life written on it. I know you are wondering why I am saying this but the reason being is because, there have been multiple times where I would mention to management that I need help lifting something and they will brush it off because they are more focussed on their rates and hitting targets than stopping for two seconds to help an employee lift something. This makes the employees discouraged to ask for help and causes more workplace injuries. While on that note, I do remember that my particular facility could never get passed more than 7 days free of workplace injuries...maybe because employees are straining their muscles trying to lift things alone.... The pack stations are horrible for ergonomics and the work seems like its almost designed to strain your back from how repetitive the motions are. NOTE: If you do decide to work here, your back will MOST DEFINITELY hurt.  Upper back, Lower back...doesnt matter, it will HURT. 


Overall, Amazon was nothing special. During my tenure with amazon I first started off as stow in inbound for 3 months. Stow was honestly not bad in comparison to the other positions. Stow was a great balance, as the physical labor wasn't too much. It just consisted of pushing a U-Boat or Juice cart full of merchandise to an aisle and stowing these items away. A great balance between walking and standing. I was then transferred with no choice to outbound; Pick. Pick was the opposite of stow. For 10 hours a day you will be a slave to your scanner, as you will follow directions from your scanner on items that need to be picked. As pick be prepared to literally just walk and walk all shift. "Amazon Pace" as they call it, 20 feet in five seconds. I felt as in pick you are worked the hardest for the same paycheck as everyone else. BE WARNED if you are a picker.

During your 10 shift you are given two "30" minute breaks. One paid and the other not. Since Amazon warehouses are huge in size your breaks are never truly 30 minutes. Depending on your location in the building it can take at least 3 to 5 minutes to get to the lunchroom, so be sure your a track star. You may think you made it but don't forget about the line for the microwaves. By the time you sit down you are truly only left with 20-25 minutes depending on what you brought for lunch.     

At Amazon you work 10 hour shifts for 4 days a week with 3 days off. During peak period in November and December be prepared to work 50 or 60 hour weeks back to back. Yes, these overtime days are MANDATORY so be prepared to spend numerous days at the fulfillment center. Be sure not to plan anything on these days as overtime us is usually called on short notice. Doctor notes are also UNPAID

Overall, Amazon had excellent health benefits with coverage for dental, medical, vision and much more. In my opinion Amazon is a great starter or temporary job, nothing you would want to consider for more than 1 year.

Sorry for my essay on Amazon, just wanted to give my true opinions.

Lots of associates with different cultural backgrounds, managers are friendly and supportive, you just have to apply only and they will ask you to bring your IDs and work permits on the introduction day, there are no interviews and the you will get free CSA approved safety shoes on your very first day, first few days you will be getting paid training while they teach you the Amazon history culture, working standards and importance of safety,

There are attendance points system where you will be getting points for being late, leaving early and not report to work. Once you reached certain number of points they will send you an email that unless otherwise you remove your points using the PTOs (paid time off) which you have 40 hours or you will get other non paid leaves as medical leaves and family responsibility leaves after completing 90 days at Amazon 

And there are safety warnings and productivity warnings which may result in the termination of your contract, use of mobile phones or taking photos are only allowed in certain areas such as lunch rooms.

There is a place inside Amazon warehouses called Amcare where you can get medications and first aids to use whenever you feel uncomfortable or in an health concern.

If you have no warnings for productivity or safety you will get the opportunity to cross trainings where you will be able to labor shared to other departments. And also you will get trainings for reach truck, order picker, counter balance forklift, Tugger,  double walkie, Electric pallet jack etc.

Overall it was good place to start and even better place to stay if you be permanent employee.

I would never recommend to anyone to work here. This is probably my worst experience ever working under such a toxic management and work environment. I worked 1 months only in stowing and decided that could not continue any further. Never expect any help or support from any level of management. Management there is not for help, support instead they are their to kick on your a** for making you work and get their productivity and job done. For that they literally squeeze you out for their work. And they don't care about your physical capacity. They expect you to get to the productivity right after one week of joining and to get their different people from management keep coming to you asking for productivity. Sometime 3 or more people in a shift. That is kind of sucks. That shows how they keep kicking your a** for work. And to be honest you have to work like a machine to get to that productivity and to keep up with that. it is doubled the effort to get that than you loose it if you take rest just for few minutes, let's say 5 minutes. That is because their standards for productivity are set so high and accordingly that either can machine achieve or may be human if they work like a machine. if you somehow get productivity and maintain it than no one come to you to appreciate. That is even a bitter fact. So, they only come to you to kick you. And if you are working peacefully there are always those people who never let you work. I mean if you  are doing stowing someone keeps coming you to ask you to stowing this and that rather let you do stowing whatever you are.

I have joined when pandemic has begun as was looking for job. But, now i would say i never go to amazon regardless of my need of job or money but I rather would wait for another opportunity.

I had been working there for almost 3 years and I'll tell you it's the worst job I've ever had. 

Maybe its  different at other Amazon warehouses
 (I bloody hope)

Lots of favoritism, long hours, unrealistic rates per hour for productivity and quality and they change it ALL the time .(making the expected rate higher) 

Injuries including work related injuries are treated as inconvenience's. 

All I'm going to say is, most of the associates who have been there 3-4 years and who were all amazing associates and great co workers, all quit. Due to new system upgrades, new management  and again favoritism .

What they don't get, is that the warehouse was an amazing work atmosphere prior to their "amazing sizemic upgrade" (construction  upgrade) but ofcourse no one cares how the associates feel; just that they can meet more buisness needs. 

The hours are long and emotionally and physically draining. They promise cross training (lies)There's not one associate who isn't  exhausted  or in pain throughout  the day let alone the week . 

Ridiculous attendance policies (point system) 
2 doctors notes /year 
1 doc note /yr  if you're a temp. 
Just don't do it . Please don't do it . You'll hate it I 
promise ! 

Not like other warehouses; no phones allowed, no talking. Kind of dramatic, but YOU WILL be just a number to your PAs or managers. And really,  they don't care ! And the only time they do is when u address them about it and you have to be agressive or they will not care ( sucks to say, but you'll see that it's true) 

Every day I went to work , the older associates all told me " you work at a place like  this ONLY when u don't have a choice".  I was always advised to quit and find something else.  And I'm  Advising whoever sees this . Don't do it. It's not worth it.

It is bad. Really bad. More like a prison in the movies. 
They hire you when they want. They fire you when they want.
To begin with they didn't even have an interview. When I applied online it said Full-time Warehouse Associate, when I reached the so called 'interview' they said it was a Seasonal post!
Then they showed us a video and took some of our details and told us that they'd send us an email.
I have read a book on The Khmer Rouge in Cambodia. There were some startling similarities in both cases
1) Long hours of standing (after reaching home your limbs are stiff!)
2) The management pulls you up anytime
3) You are told to move from your allocated work and do something else out of the blue (the best part is no one in the management knows who took this decision and since your time is wasted in the midst of all this you are most likely to get a warning) lol
4) Biased managers, biased work distribution - Linguistic favoritism features big time here. 
5)  2 half and hour breaks in a 10 and a half hour shift! That too 5 minutes go in leaving your allocation, walking through the warehouse, getting frisked and finally reaching the canteen! After your break you need to rush to your system because if you log-in late you are again bound for a warning.
The work is repetitive, boring and robotic.
The floor managers are constantly fixed to their laptops moving one end to another like zombies. Looks like they're going to launch a rocket soon.
It's a shameful thing Amazon. One of the largest brand in the world. So mis-managed.
To end this love letter, they had hired me for a 6 month contract mid-November, and fired our whole batch 2nd week of January when the volume of work wasn't as much as they had planned.
Shame!

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Warehouse worker 1 salary reported	$20.27 per hour
Seasonal associate 400 salaries reported	$20.09 per hour
Package handler 357 salaries reported	$20.04 per hour
Warehouse associate 3 salaries reported	$22.00 per hour
Packer 1 salary reported	$19.25 per hour

Working at Amazon Warehouse: company overview and reviews

Amazon Warehouse

Amazon Warehouse ratings

Popular jobs at Amazon Warehouse

Salary satisfaction

Job seeker tools

Employer Tools

Browse

Stay Connected