There are always people who are on the job hunt. You likely have an idea about the line of work you want to do, but a job is more than that, isn’t it? It becomes a major part of your life, so there’s more to think about.
When you’re considering a new employer, what are some specific things you should expect for yourself inside and outside of work?
With more than 21,000 employees in Michigan alone, e-commerce giant Amazon has honed in on ways to attract potential talent and help associates learn and grow -- both professionally and personally.
Detroit-based Amazon human resources leader Pam Reber said that, looking into 2024, she sees Detroiters eyeing better ways to achieve their goals.
As someone who works with a company that is already helping employees do that, she has three recommendations for anyone who is searching for a new job or career:
1. Look for health and wellness-oriented benefits.
Health and wellness are so important, so these benefits should play a large role when considering a new job or career.
Reber said, for example, employees who work for Amazon begin receiving comprehensive benefits on the first day of work. She says it’s something job seekers shouldn’t just hope a potential employer offers, but something they should expect.
“You never know what Amazon employees are dealing with outside of work, so we want to make sure we offer all types of wellness assistance beginning day one of employment,” Reber said.
One of the unique health benefits offered exclusively to Metro Detroit Amazon employees are Amazon’s Neighborhood Health Centers located in Royal Oak and Westland. These comprehensive healthcare locations offer physical and mental wellness services both in person and virtually to employees and their family members. They also have extended hours during the workweek, are open for weekend office hours, and are available with or without employer insurance.
“Our one-stop shop for employee wellness resources offers support for every day, including help with finding a housekeeper or day care provider, as well as for basic needs, such as finding low-cost housing within one’s community,” Reber said. “Employees can also connect to the NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness), which is a grass-roots organization that provides community group support and education.”
2. Find out if the company offers paid tuition or other education benefits.
When a company provides their employees the means for kick-starting or continuing education, this allows them to expand their skillset that can lead to new career paths, whether that be within the company or beyond.
Reber said, for instance, hourly Amazon employees are given pre-paid college tuition through Amazon’s national virtual education partners, as well as with local partners that include Wayne State University, Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, Henry Ford College and Washtenaw Community College.
Employees can also pursue other education pathways like industry certifications, English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, and high school diplomas and GED programs -- all at no cost to them.
“Everyone should be able to build a career, and we are ready to support our employees wherever they are on their educational journey,” Reber said. “This is an asset to Amazon because it builds a culture that truly believes in striving to be Earth’s best employer. Amazon has the opportunity to invest in future leaders, whether it be for Amazon, or another journey.”
3. Understand how an employer helps employees with long-term career goals.
When an employer can help their employees set long-term goals, this can help create a pathway to career growth and success within a company.
Reber said at Amazon, employees who wish to advance their careers are offered a variety of paths. And with more than 20 operations facilities in Metro Detroit and opportunities for all skills and backgrounds, employees have many options.
“We work with employees to help them set their long-term career goals by implementing leadership workshops, learning department trainings, and providing schedule flexibility for employees enrolled in school,” she said.
The bottom line is this: When you’re on the job hunt, consider what needs you require. How can a potential employer invest in you as an employee and as a person?
To learn more about the types of comprehensive benefits, career opportunities and other important resources Amazon provides to its employee, click or tap here.