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Category:
Diamond Award Amazon.com,
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Listen to one of the ads featuring this winner! (Produced and broadcast by KUOW.) |
Amazon.com raises
bar for outstanding commute programs
Amazon.com is a Fortune 500 company endeavoring to be the earth's most
customer centric company and a site where people can go to find anything
and everything they could possibly want to buy online. The organization
also is dedicated to its employees and transportation issues, resulting
in the implementation of creative solutions that have earned it a 2003
Commuter Challenge Diamond Award for Organizational Leadership.
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March 16, 2004 Awards
Ceremony
Accepting Amazon.com's 2003 Diamond Award for organizational leadership are John Geoffroy and Kelly Lobello. |
Amazon.com provides either a FlexPass to all employees at no cost or a subsidy for all transportation modes not part of the FlexPass program. Private shuttle service is provided to move employees between the four downtown worksites, as well as to and from the ferry dock. Employees who walk or ride bicycles to work enjoy locker and shower facilities as well as covered bicycle parking. In addition, dozens of employees take advantage of telework opportunities on a regular basis.
Amazon promotes its CTR program through a dedicated internal web site, company-wide emails, new hire orientations, and various other marketing materials posted throughout the worksite. New ideas for program improvements often come directly from the employees. "We provide an electronic forum for our employees to give feedback on the program," said Program Manager John Geoffroy. "Our program is successful because we encourage feedback and listen to what our employees tell us about ways to improve the program."
Amazon’s HR group often acts as the catalyst for management approval of new program elements. The group stays informed on employee suggestions and makes a point of passing that input on to management. In 2003, Vice President of Human Resources Mike George convened a roundtable discussion with other company vice presidents and CTR program staff to determine what program elements to include in the 2003-2004 program. This discussion resulted in stronger support for ferry riders and increased employee participation. In fact, management has taken an even stronger role in promoting alternative commute modes by increasing communication with their employees on the subject.
Amazon.com’s CTR program helps attract the best talent and increase productivity from employees who avoid the frustration of solo commuting. Such commitment is highly commendable.
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Commute Program
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*Some definitions: An “ETC” is the staff-level employee transportation coordinator responsible for the daily administration of the transportation program. “SOV” stands for single-occupant vehicle, and “CTR” for commute trip reduction.