How Does Vacation Time Work at Amazon?

By Anna Duncan

Working at Amazon is an exciting journey, but as much as the company emphasizes productivity and work ethic, it also values employee well-being, including vacation time. In this article, we will take a closer look at how vacation time works at Amazon.

Accrual of Vacation Time

At Amazon, employees earn vacation time based on their tenure with the company. New hires receive two weeks of paid time off (PTO) annually.

After two years of service, employees receive three weeks of PTO per year. This increases to four weeks after five years of service. Additionally, Amazon offers a flexible time-off program that allows employees to take additional unpaid time off as needed.

Scheduling Vacation Time

Scheduling vacation time at Amazon is relatively straightforward. Employees submit their requests through an online system accessible from any device with internet connectivity. After submitting a request, the system notifies the employee’s manager for approval or denial.

Amazon encourages employees to plan ahead and schedule their vacations well in advance to avoid conflicts with other team members’ vacations or critical business needs.

Rollover and Payout of Unused Vacation Time

At Amazon, unused vacation time typically does not roll over from one year to the next. Employees are encouraged to use their vacation days within the calendar year they were earned; otherwise, they risk losing them.

In some cases, however, employees may be eligible for payout of unused vacation time when leaving the company or transitioning to another position within Amazon that does not offer PTO benefits.

Other Considerations

It’s worth noting that Amazon’s policy on vacation time may vary depending on location and role. For example, part-time employees may not be eligible for PTO benefits or may receive a prorated amount based on their hours worked.

Furthermore, some departments or teams within Amazon may have unique scheduling needs that require a different approach to vacation time management. In these cases, managers work with their teams to develop a plan that balances the needs of both the business and its employees.

Conclusion

In summary, Amazon offers competitive vacation time benefits that reward tenure and encourage employees to take time off as needed. With a straightforward scheduling process and clear policies on the rollover and payout of unused time, Amazon’s vacation time program is designed to promote employee well-being while supporting the company’s goals.