Amazon has warned its employees about how the busy holiday season can make them think about suicide. The e-commerce giant went on to warn users not to vent their anger at colleagues or incite workplace violence due to work-related stress. Amazon seems to be well aware of the pressure its employees face during special sales like Prime Day.
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Prime Day is held every year exclusively for Prime members. It's an extremely stressful time for people in warehouses and for people working from Amazon's offices because the number of orders increases so rapidly. Amazon's one-day delivery offer also keeps the logistics team on their toes. The special discounts require employees to work overtime.
“Peak season is a busy time for the entire team, as everyone is dedicated to helping customers receive their packages on time. It’s understandable to feel stressed. And while most of us never put others at risk, some people can act in ways that can be concerning. This could be due to many factors in their lives, not just what they’re experiencing at work. Regardless of the cause, workplace violence is never the answer,” Amazon’s email obtained by Engadget said.
The email was shared by an employee who asked not to be named. The employee told the publication that Amazon had never sent such emails in previous seasons. He said he has worked at Amazon for a little over four years, but he has never received an email where Amazon emphasizes the mental health of its employees and how it can affect them and the people around them.
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Amazon's email to its employees highlighted how increased workloads can lead to "suicide." "Remember that your mental health matters. If you are experiencing stress, feelings of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, please speak with your manager, a human resources business partner, or a mental health professional," the email read. Amazon encouraged employees to seek professional help if they feel suicidal due to their workload.
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A former employee told the publication that people having public breakdowns is common at Amazon. The company spokesperson declined to elaborate further on the email, but said: “We know this has been a difficult time for everyone, and like most large companies, we are working to support our teams in many ways. This includes providing resources throughout the year for anyone who may be experiencing stress in their personal lives or at work. It’s really important that they feel like they matter and that they can reach out if they need it.”.
Source of information: indiatoday.in
