October 05, 2020
To mark National Disability Employment Awareness Month, we can’t think of a better program to highlight than Amazon's Alternative Workforce Supplier Program (AWSP). This staffing program is tailored to meet the needs of people with disabilities who have traditionally faced obstacles to both entering and advancing in the workplace.
Amazon works with alternative workforce suppliers, including March of Dimes Canada, to match people with disabilities with the right jobs and support their transition into the Amazon workplace. Since June 2019, we have placed 44 associates in Amazon fulfillment centre jobs. We’ve also collaborated with 25 other employment service providers to place their clients living with disabilities in the same Amazon facility.
In fact, we have six Amazon Associates celebrating their one-year work anniversary this month! We are delighted to report that many of those hired have moved into permanent full-time positions with Amazon, receiving medical benefits, paid vacation and retirement savings plans.
"March of Dimes has helped me by finding me a job, which helped me to get out of the house and gain new skills all while being supported. I have seen the AWSP program help many of my fellow associates to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities." Victor, AWSP participant
Hiring people who have disabilities makes good business sense, in addition to being the right thing to do. Amazon’s experience shows that this program’s Associates have strong retention and attendance, while delivering average to above average quality and productivity.
Research shows that diverse and inclusive workplaces are:
- Two times more likely to meet or exceed financial targets
- Six times more likely to be innovative
- Six times more likely to effectively anticipate change
