iAsk.ca

Amazon asks corporate workers to ‘volunteer’ help with grocery deliveries as Prime Day frenzy approaches

(5 months ago)
Guardian staff reporter
AmazonTechnologyUnited StatesNew York

AI Summary

TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️

Amazon has asked its corporate employees in the New York City area to volunteer their time at company warehouses to assist with grocery deliveries for Amazon Fresh during the upcoming Prime Day. This initiative aims to manage the anticipated surge in orders, despite Amazon Fresh's recent struggles with profitability and previous company-wide layoffs.

Trending
  1. 1 2022: Amazon began company-wide layoffs.
  2. 2 2023: Amazon Fresh closed several physical locations and laid off hundreds of employees.
  3. 3 A week ago: CEO Andy Jassy spoke on CNBC about the future use of drones and robots.
  4. 4 Monday (July 7, 2025): Amazon sent a Slack message asking corporate workers to volunteer.
  5. 5 Tuesday (July 8, 2025): Prime Day kicks off, with volunteer shifts running through Friday.
  • Corporate employees potentially performing warehouse tasks
  • Increased efficiency in grocery delivery during Prime Day
  • Continued efforts to make Amazon Fresh profitable
  • Future integration of drones and robots in fulfillment centers
What: Amazon asked corporate employees to volunteer for grocery deliveries. The request was made via a Slack message to thousands of white-collar workers. Volunteers are needed for two-hour shifts, Tuesday through Friday, in a Brooklyn warehouse. Tasks include picking, preparing, and packing groceries. Amazon Fresh is offering discounts during Prime Day. Amazon has undergone cost-cutting efforts and layoffs since 2022. CEO Andy Jassy discussed future use of drones and robots for fulfillment.
When: Monday (July 7, 2025, inferred from article publication date and 'on Monday'); This week (Tuesday through Friday); 2023 (cost-cutting, closures); 2022 (layoffs began); A week ago (Jassy's comments).
Where: New York City area; Red Hook neighborhood of Brooklyn (Amazon Fresh warehouse).
Why: To assist with grocery delivery during the annual Prime Day sale, which creates a surge in orders and demand; to boost morale and connect warehouse and corporate teams; Amazon Fresh has faced turbulence and struggled to turn a profit.
How: Through a Slack message sent to corporate employees; by offering optional two-hour shifts for tasks like picking, preparing, and packing items.

Amazon has asked its corporate employees in the New York City area to volunteer their time at company warehouses to assist with grocery deliveries for Amazon Fresh during the upcoming Prime Day. This initiative aims to manage the anticipated surge in orders, despite Amazon Fresh's recent struggles with profitability and previous company-wide layoffs.