Product details

By continuing to use our site you consent to the use of cookies as described in our privacy policy unless you have disabled them.
You can change your cookie settings at any time but parts of our site will not function correctly without them.

Abstract

This case examines the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring- and retention-related challenges encountered by Amazon.com's FAR1 location in Fargo, North Dakota, at the end of 2021. John Sabo, FAR1's general manager and hiring team leader, had one main goal: to hire and train a diverse team of 1,446 Amazonians by the facility's opening date in December 2021. However, there were many barriers to achieving this goal, including potential candidates' negative perception of Amazon's workplace environment due to its negative track record of employee safety and well-being, especially with regard to under-represented groups. To complicate matters, there was a limited supply of qualified, under-represented candidates in Fargo. Could Sabo and his team find a way to meet Amazon's DEI goals while also ensuring adequate staffing? Were there solutions they had overlooked? Should they develop separate strategies for managers and employees? Further complicating the team's decision, DEI initiatives were not universally embraced, and there were questions on the efficacy of DEI programs. The success of FAR1 and its potential to serve as a blueprint for future warehouse expansion hung in the balance.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Location:
Industry:
Size:
Large
Other setting(s):
2022

About

Abstract

This case examines the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring- and retention-related challenges encountered by Amazon.com's FAR1 location in Fargo, North Dakota, at the end of 2021. John Sabo, FAR1's general manager and hiring team leader, had one main goal: to hire and train a diverse team of 1,446 Amazonians by the facility's opening date in December 2021. However, there were many barriers to achieving this goal, including potential candidates' negative perception of Amazon's workplace environment due to its negative track record of employee safety and well-being, especially with regard to under-represented groups. To complicate matters, there was a limited supply of qualified, under-represented candidates in Fargo. Could Sabo and his team find a way to meet Amazon's DEI goals while also ensuring adequate staffing? Were there solutions they had overlooked? Should they develop separate strategies for managers and employees? Further complicating the team's decision, DEI initiatives were not universally embraced, and there were questions on the efficacy of DEI programs. The success of FAR1 and its potential to serve as a blueprint for future warehouse expansion hung in the balance.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Settings

Location:
Industry:
Size:
Large
Other setting(s):
2022

Related