The company is conducting an experiment in how far it can push white-collar workers to get them to achieve its ever-expanding ambitions.

By Jodi Kantor and David Streitfeld, New York Times

Amazon employees and family members attending a company picnic. Some fathers at Amazon said they considered quitting because of pressure from bosses to spend less time with their families.
Amazon employees and family members attending a company picnic. Some fathers at Amazon said they considered quitting because of pressure from bosses to spend less time with their families.

 

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What kind of monster is Amazon?

Margaret Wente, The Globe and Mail

Could you work at Amazon? Probably not. You’re too soft.

Amazon is that unique product of American capitalism: an elite sweatshop. It demands total dedication from its employees. Although its motto is “Work Hard, Have Fun, Make History,” you can forget about the fun part. Only the highly motivated need apply, and even they are often reduced to crying at their desks. As one former Amazonian told The New York Times, “Amazon is where overachievers go to feel bad about themselves.”

Last week’s Times piece on Amazon’s workplace culture drew more than 6,600 comments. The piece described the culture as “punishing,” bruising” and “extreme.” It recounted harrowing tales of people who were sidelined when they got cancer, or when they asked for time off for family emergencies. It was a portrait of soulless capitalism at work.

At Amazon, no one cares about your work-life balance. The place is run as a ruthless meritocracy. People are constantly assessed by their co-workers, using something called an “Anytime feedback tool.” Everyone and everything is measured, all the time. Are your metrics mediocre? You’re out.