Amazon At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon divided people into three (3) broad groups:

employees, customers, and the community. For the employees, Amazon is granting a special one-time
Thank You bonus of over $500 million. Amazon expects to invest approximately $4 billion on COVID-
related initiatives getting products to customers and keeping employees safe. Amazon has made over
150 process updates, from enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures to new efforts like
disinfectant spraying. Any employee diagnosed with COVID-19 will receive up to two (2) weeks of paid
time off, in addition to their other paid and unpaid time off options. Large COVID-19 testing facilities
have been built. Extra time off with full pay for those diagnosed with COVID-19 has been offered.
Amazon also established a $25 million relief fund for employees facing financial hardship or quarantine.
For the customers, Amazon provided free masks with enhanced cleaning to customers at all open
Amazon physical retail stores and Whole Foods Market locations nationwide. Dedicated shopping hours
have been framed to service customers who are 60 plus, those with disabilities, and fall under the high-
risk category. Amazon has enabled front-porch delivery, where the delivery team will leave the item at
your front door, and customers will not be required to sign for it. Amazon ensured that all delivery
vehicles and equipment were disinfected daily, and delivery devices and mobile phones were disinfected
after each delivery appointment. Amazon launched a $20 million AWS Diagnostic Initiative for the global
communities to accelerate COVID19 research. In Europe, the company committed €21 million (almost
USD 23 million) to support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeff Bezos, the founder of
Amazon, has donated $100 million to Feeding America. The company hired 175,000 additional full- and
part-time employees and is working with food banks in 25 cities across the country to deliver 6 million
meals to underserved and vulnerable populations. Moreover, the company donated $5 million in
Amazon devices globally to those in need, donating 8,200 laptops to Seattle Public Schools students who
do not have access to a device at home.

1 What are the sustainable business practices of Amazon based on the given case?

•Making over 150 process updates, from enhanced cleaning and social distancing measures to new
efforts like disinfectant spraying

•Offering up to two weeks of paid time off to employees diagnosed with COVID-19

•Building large COVID-19 testing facilities

• Investing in COVID-related initiatives to get products to customers and keep employees safe.

2. What pillars of sustainability are being addressed by Amazon’s business practices based on the
given case?

•Amazon is focusing on the Social Pillar as a pillar of sustainability because it offers specific advantages
to its employees, such as a one-time Thank You bonus. It is a sustainability that grants everyone equal
access, their rights, and the opportunity to receive an advantage that will be beneficial to them