The number of formal documented warnings, often referred to as “write-ups,” preceding employment termination at Amazon is not a fixed quantity. Instead, performance management and disciplinary actions are addressed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity of the infraction, an employee’s overall performance history, and adherence to company policies. For instance, a minor policy violation might initially result in a verbal warning, whereas repeated instances or more severe breaches could lead to a written warning, performance improvement plan, or potentially, termination.
A flexible approach to performance management allows Amazon to address issues ranging from minor performance deficiencies to serious misconduct while taking into account an individuals overall contributions and prior record. This benefits both the company and its employees by providing opportunities for improvement and addressing problems before they escalate, thus creating a fair and compliant workplace. Historically, a more rigid approach to disciplinary actions could have resulted in unnecessary terminations and a lack of flexibility in managing employee performance issues.
