The Innovative, Peculiar Amazonians Crying at Their Desks

The Brian Lehrer Show | Aug 18, 2015

New York Times correspondent Jodi Kantor talks about her investigation into the work environment of online retail giant Amazon.

The efficiency which makes it possible for customers to receive a pair of socks in 24 hours pervades all aspects of the office - employees are expected to compete with one another, report on colleagues they feel are underperforming, and face probation if illness or family matters are perceived as affecting their performance.

Here's @jodikantor's piece, inside the super-secretive, super-competitive @amazon workplace: http://t.co/o4jaBCRxg4
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) August 18, 2015

Any current/former @amazon employees want to confirm/deny/discuss work ethic? Or general comments on Corp America? Tweet/call: 212-433-9692.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) August 18, 2015

We evaluate one another all the time in academia. It isn't snitching as at Amazon, but committee work & publish or perish. @BrianLehrer
— Rachel Somerstein (@rachesomerstein) August 18, 2015

@BrianLehrer @amazon @jodikantor even if 50% is true it's still disturbing. People are not numbers and it seems that they often forget that.
— Sophie Vershbow (@svershbow) August 18, 2015

In @amazon employee "bible," #1 principle is Customer Obsession. Focus is entirely on customer, not on pleasing employees, says @jodikantor.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) August 18, 2015

.@amazon is window into a possible future of white collar workplace. How does reliance on data change relationships/psychology? -@jodikantor
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) August 18, 2015

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

9 essential tenants rights to know if you're a renter in New York City

Peak moving season is coming up, so now is a good time to brush up on NYC housing laws.

Gothamist |

Transit Operas Celebrate the Subway Experience Through Music

All Of It with Alison Stewart |

Our Bodies & Our Tech

Manoush Zomorodi talks about the impact on our bodies of our interactions with our phones and other tech.

The Brian Lehrer Show |

Mayor Mamdani says he's balanced NYC's budget

WNYC News |

How they handle crises in Brownsville, often without police

At least twice a year, nonprofit workers from the neighborhood spend a week calming disputes and responding to most 311 and 911 calls on certain blocks in the neighborhood.