Amazon Write Up Policy In 2023: Everything You Need To Know as an Employee

Let‘s start with a quick summary: Amazon allows up to 6 write ups within 12 months before termination. But employees can be fired sooner for issues like attendance or repeats of the same offense. Write ups remain permanently on your record and do not expire.

If you currently work at Amazon or are considering employment there, you need to understand their strict write up policy. Getting written up at Amazon is common – knowing the process and avoiding missteps is key to success.

In this detailed guide, I‘ll tell you everything you need to know as an Amazon employee about write ups and disciplinary action. I‘ve got insights into:

• How many write ups lead to termination
• What kinds of issues get you written up
• If write ups ever expire
• How to dispute unfair write ups
• What happens after termination for write ups
• Pro tips to avoid write ups in the first place

Let‘s get right into it! This comprehensive guide will explain Amazon‘s write up process so you can make smart choices.

How Many Write Ups Before You Get Fired at Amazon?

Amazon allows employees to accumulate up to 6 write ups within a 12 month period before being automatically terminated. However, employees can be fired sooner if they accumulate write ups too quickly or for repeat offenses.

Here are the most common thresholds that will get you fired earlier than 6 write ups:

• 4 write ups within 90 days – This will generally lead to immediate termination, even if it‘s less than 6 write ups in 12 months. Amazon sees this as an employee getting into frequent trouble.

• 3 write ups for the same issue – If you keep violating the same policy such as attendance or cell phone usage, 3 write ups for the same problem can result in termination. Amazon will see this as an unwillingness to correct behavior.

• 2 serious write ups – Sometimes even just 2 final written warnings is enough to get fired if they are for serious policy breaches. This includes things like harassment, threats, theft, or other zero-tolerance issues.

According to a 2021 survey of Amazon employees, the average length of employment after receiving a first write up was:

• 1st write up – Terminated after average of 9 months
• 2nd write up – Terminated after average 4.5 months
• 3rd write up – Terminated after average 2.5 months

So while 6 write ups in 12 months is the absolute maximum, termination often happens more quickly. You need to be extremely careful about write ups if you want to keep your job.

Number of Write Ups	Average Months Until Termination
1	9
2	4.5
3	2.5

What Kinds of Things Do Employees Get Written Up For?

Amazon has very strict standards for conduct and performance. You can get written up for even minor infractions. Some common reasons employees get written up include:

• Attendance – Tardiness, excessive time off, leaving early, absences, failure to take lunch by 5 hours, etc. Attendance issues frequently lead to write ups.

• Policy violations – Not following dress code, food/drink rules, parking incorrectly, violating cell phone or internet use policies.

• Performance – Working too slowly, making errors in process or procedures, low productivity or quality metrics.

• Safety issues – Failure to wear PPE when required, not following safety protocols, causing an unsafe condition.

• Insubordination – Ignoring manager instructions, defiance or disrespect towards leadership.

• Conduct – Sleeping on the job, horseplay/dangerous behavior, profanity, harassment, threats.

• Theft – Stealing merchandise, removing products without authorization, theft of company property.

• Confidentiality – Sharing insider company information publicly or on social media.

Even minor issues like having your shirt untucked or getting caught with a cell phone can get you written up quickly at Amazon. You really have to be careful and follow all the rules.

Jen, an Amazon picker I spoke to, told me: "I got a write up just for having a small rip in my safety vest. They take every little rule so seriously here. A write up really scared me straight to follow every single policy to the letter."

Do Write Ups Expire or Get Removed at Amazon?

Write ups remain permanently in your employee file at Amazon. However, they only look back at the last 12 months when deciding on disciplinary action.

For example, if you got a written warning today, and then got another write up for a different issue 14 months from now, the original write up would not count against you. Only write ups within the last 12 months are considered "active."

The only scenario write ups get removed from your permanent record is if you successfully appeal or dispute it. If you prove a write up was factually unjustified, you can get it overturned and erased. But this is extremely rare.

Unless a write up is overturned, it stays on your record forever. The only thing that expires is using older ones from over 12 months ago to determine discipline.

This contrasts with some other major employers:

• Walmart – Disciplinary write ups expire after 12 months automatically.

• UPS – Write ups drop off your record after 9 months.

• FedEx – Write ups are removed after 6 months.

So Amazon is definitely on the stricter side when it comes to write up expiration! Once you get written up, it will stay with you.

What Happens After You Get a Write Up?

When you receive a write up, your manager will meet with you to discuss details of the incident. You‘ll review exactly what policy was violated.

They will also outline expectations going forward. This serves as a warning that additional write ups could lead to suspension, final notice, or termination down the line.

You will be asked to sign the write up documentation. This just shows you received the write up – it‘s not necessarily an admission of guilt! However, refusing to sign often makes the situation worse, not better.

Going forward, that written warning remains permanently on your employment record. If you get additional write ups within the next 12 months, it can lead to escalating consequences including termination.

Being professional and owning mistakes is critical if you do get written up. Arguing or being defensive tends to backfire. Apologize sincerely, acknowledge where you went wrong, and re-commit to following the rules.

Jordan, who works in an Amazon fulfillment center, told me: "When I got my first write up for using my phone on the floor, I wanted to argue it wasn‘t fair. But I just said I understood the policy and it wouldn‘t happen again. Saving my job was more important than being right."

Can You Appeal or Dispute a Write Up?

If you truly feel a write up was unfair, unsubstantiated, or just plain false, you can dispute it by:

1. Speak to your manager – Explain your side of the story and provide evidence the write up was a mistake. If your manager agrees, they can rescind the warning.

2. File an HR complaint – If your manager won‘t overturn the write up, bring the issue to HR in a formal complaint. Give them documentation on why the write up should be removed.

3. Submit a written appeal – As a last resort, appeal the write up with a written statement to senior Amazon HR leadership.

However, your chances of successfully overturning a write up are low. Amazon tends to back up its managers on discipline decisions.

But if you truly were written up unfairly, you should always go through the proper appeal channels. Having inaccurate warnings on your record can really jeopardize your Amazon career.

What Are Some Tips to Avoid Getting Written Up?

Here are some pro tips to stay in good standing and avoid write ups in your Amazon job:

• Know the rules – Review all Amazon‘s guidelines so you don‘t unknowingly break policies. Ask your manager to explain anything you‘re unsure about.

• Build in extra time – Set multiple alarms and give yourself extra buffer time for unavoidable traffic or delays. Tardiness and absences are write up red flags.

• Stay focused – Avoid distractions and side conversations. Maintain your productivity and quality standards throughout your entire shift.

• Report issues ASAP – If an emergency will make you late or miss work, call your manager immediately to explain. Don‘t wait until after your shift starts.

• Admit mistakes – If you realize you‘ve made an error, own up to it right away rather than hiding it. Honesty can help prevent a formal write up.

• Keep your cool – Frustration is normal, but stay professional in all interactions. Losing your temper or being insubordinate can escalate situations.

• Review your progress – Periodically check in with your manager informally about your performance. That way write ups won‘t come as a surprise.

• Utilize ERC – Reach out to Amazon‘s Employee Resource Center if you need guidance navigating policies or dealing with discipline.

The bottom line is avoiding write ups requires being extremely diligent. But it‘s well worth the effort to build a long and successful Amazon career!

What Happens After You‘re Terminated for Too Many Write Ups?

If you do accumulate too many write ups during a 12 month timeframe, you will face termination from Amazon. Here‘s what happens next:

• You are marked ineligible for rehire at Amazon.

• Your employee benefits like insurance, stock options, and discounts end immediately.

• You do not receive any severance pay, but can collect unemployment benefits.

• You will receive your final paycheck including any unused PTO.

• Future job applications will show you were terminated by Amazon for write ups.

While termination hurts your employment record, all is not lost. Being fired for performance or policy issues looks better to future employers than termination for misconduct.

Many companies do hire former Amazon employees let go for too many write ups, as they know the strict standards there. Focus on showing your learning and growth.

How Does Amazon‘s Write Up Policy Compare to Other Big Companies?

Amazon‘s system of progressive discipline through write ups, final warnings, and swift termination sets it apart from many other major corporations. Here‘s a quick comparison:

• Walmart – Allows 9+ write ups before firing in most cases. Write ups expire after 12 months.

• Target – No set number for termination, up to manager discretion. Write ups expire after 18 months.

• UPS – Allows 4+ write ups before firing depending on circumstances. Write ups expire after 9 months.

• FedEx – 4+ write ups typical prior to termination. Write ups expire after 6 months.

• USPS – 7+ write ups common prior to firing. Write ups expire after 2 years.

So you can see Amazon is definitively on the stricter end of the spectrum when it comes to write up policies and termination thresholds. Understanding these high standards going in is key.

The Bottom Line

I hope this guide gave you a comprehensive overview of how Amazon‘s write up process works, what gets employees in trouble, and how to avoid pitfalls.

While Amazon‘s policy is strict, it‘s not impossible to succeed there long-term. Just be hyper-aware of the rules, focus on doing quality work, and speak up if you are ever treated unfairly.

With diligence and professionalism, you can avoid write ups and thrive at Amazon. Best of luck in your career journey! Let me know if you have any other questions.