Key Takeaways
- Amazon plans to recruit more than 300,000 workers for the US holiday season.
- This marks the first increase in recruitment for the period in three years.
- Seasonal employees will receive healthcare benefits starting next year.
Amazon has announced plans to hire over 300,000 workers for the US holiday season, marking the first increase in recruitment for the period in three years. The online retailer is preparing for a surge in orders, with US holiday sales expected to grow by 4.2% from the previous year, reaching more than $1 trillion this year, according to the National Retail Federation.
Amazon will be hiring for both seasonal and full-time roles across its US core operations. The company has historically employed around 250,000 workers during the holiday season for the past three years, but this year's hiring jump is a significant shift.
In a move to attract and retain talent, Amazon has announced that starting next year, seasonal employees who work at least 30 hours per week will receive healthcare benefits offered to regular full-time employees. This decision comes as surging healthcare expenses are putting pressure on American workers who are already facing rising costs of living.
Last week, Walmart also expanded its healthcare benefits for its workforce, following Amazon's lead. Amazon has already made some small job cuts in its retail division earlier this month, but the company is now focusing on improving employee benefits to support its workforce.
Amazon is also offering a minimum hourly wage of $20 for full-time employees, with an average pay of nearly $24. For seasonal employees, the average hourly wage will be $20. These measures are part of Amazon's strategy to ensure a smooth holiday shopping season and maintain a robust workforce.
The company's decision to increase hiring and improve benefits is a clear indication of its confidence in the upcoming holiday sales period. With the expected growth in sales, Amazon aims to provide a better shopping experience for consumers while ensuring its employees are well-compensated and supported.
