A roundup of actions Amazon has taken to reduce the spread of the coronavirus while supporting those directly and indirectly impacted by COVID-19.
The coronavirus pandemic has not only killed more than 1 million people around the world. It’s also devastated the global economy, brought industries to a complete standstill, spurred mass layoffs and, in the case of retail, accelerated the slow-moving demise of already ailing department store chains.
Amazon is one of the few exceptions.
The e-commerce giant, with its seemingly endless selection and drive to deliver convenience and low prices, became the default retailer and an essential service for many consumers at the height of the coronavirus crisis.
Facing store closures and empty shelves, shoppers turned to Amazon first for products to protect them from Covid-19, like hand sanitizer, face masks and disinfectants. They stocked up on household products and groceries, then, as the crisis wore on, ordered office supplies and fitness gear to adjust to staying indoors. Between February and March, toilet paper sales jumped 186% on Amazon from a year ago, while cough and cold medicine sales surged 862% year over year, according to e-commerce services provider CommerceIQ.
1. What we are doing for employees
- We have filled 100,000 new jobs announced in March, and are adding 75,000 more, to help meet customer demand and assist existing employees fulfilling orders for essential products.
- Amazon invests more than $800 million on COVID-19 safety measures.
- We increased sick pay for Amazon employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed into quarantine.
- In the U.S., we will be adding an additional $2 USD per hour worked through April from our current rate of $15/hour or more, depending on the region, C$2 in Canada, £2 per hour in the UK, and approximately €2 per hour in many EU countries. This commitment to increased pay through the end of April represents an investment of over $350 million in increased compensation for hourly employees across the U.S., Europe, and Canada.
- Amazon employees receive comprehensive health benefits starting on day one of employment.
- We are establishing the Amazon Relief Fund with a $25 million initial contribution focused on supporting our independent delivery service partners and their drivers, Amazon Flex participants, and seasonal employees.
- Amazon publishes annual letter to shareholders from Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO. Read the letter here.
- We say: Thank you, Amazon teams in a video that addresses employees on the floor, and on the road.
2. What we are doing for our customers
- We have made Amazon video, music and more available for free to customers.
- We’re working vigorously to combat price gouging to keep prices fair and protect our customers from those looking to exploit the current crisis.
- We are continuing with ongoing, enhanced cleaning in our physical stores.
- We are encouraging contactless delivery to keep our customers safe.
3. What we are doing for communities
- In Europe, we have committed €21 million to support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- We hired 100,000 full and part-time employees, and are now hiring an additional 75,000 globally.
- In Europe, we are donating masks to EU public health services.
- We are providing disadvantaged students with online STEM courses.
- We’re supporting virtual classrooms with no-cost resources from AWS and Amazon Future Engineer.
- In Europe, we are providing free content to customers such as books, music and video available on Amazon devices.