NY calls Amazon’s DC “steep” performance standards into question
Amazon and its fulfillment center operations are under fire as the state of New York aims to tear down “overly tough” productivity standards - similar to laws recently passed in California. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed the Warehouse Worker Protection Act into law - legislation that forces companies employing warehouse workers to provide written descriptions of set quotas for operations. Those quotas also must be able to be met without missing restroom and rest breaks.
With the speedy growth of next-day consumer package delivery, warehouse workers are growing increasingly strained in the workplace. Warehouse workers, like all workers, have a right to a safe and healthy work environment. Setting reasonable quotas can help ensure that the demands placed on warehouse workers do not become excessive and lead to burnout or other mental health issues. When workers are expected to perform at levels that are not sustainable, it can lead to increased stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, the high-paced and repetitive nature of the tasks associated with warehousing can exacerbate the problem if not managed properly. Therefore, it's important for employers to establish reasonable quotas to protect the mental health of their workers, and also for long-term productivity and reduce turnover rate.
Amazon’s recent decision to bring employees back to the office five days a week, starting next year, has stirred strong reactions among staff.