Amazon Corporate Employees Asked to Volunteer for Grocery Deliveries Ahead of Prime Day

In a notable move as it approaches its annual Prime Day sales event, Amazon has requested corporate employees to volunteer for grocery delivery tasks at its New York City facilities. This initiative, outlined in a Slack message sent to numerous white-collar workers on July 7, 2025, highlights the company's strategy to manage the surge in demand during one of its busiest shopping periods.

Amazon's area manager called for volunteers to assist with the Fresh delivery operations from July 8 to July 11, 2025. The company, known for its extensive Prime Day promotions, typically ramps up its workforce during this time to handle increased order volumes. According to Griffin Buch, Amazon's spokesperson, this voluntary effort serves a dual purpose: it aids operational efficiency while allowing corporate employees to connect with frontline workers.

"This support is entirely optional, and it allows corporate employees to get closer to customers while enabling our store teams to focus on the work that’s most impactful," Buch stated. Employees were invited to work in two-hour shifts between 10 AM and 6 PM at the Red Hook warehouse, engaging in various tasks, including picking items, preparing grocery bags, and even distributing snacks to boost team morale.

This request for volunteer assistance reflects ongoing challenges faced by Amazon Fresh, the grocery delivery service that has struggled with profitability. In recent years, the segment has seen significant upheaval, including the closure of several physical locations and layoffs affecting hundreds of staff. Since initiating cost-cutting measures in 2022, Amazon has laid off over 27,000 employees across various divisions, as per company reports and statements from CEO Andy Jassy.

The Prime Day event, which offers substantial discounts on a variety of goods, has become a critical revenue generator for Amazon. In conjunction with the volunteer initiative, Amazon Fresh is also promoting a free 90-day trial for new subscribers and providing discounts on delivery fees for existing members.

Despite the challenges, Jassy has expressed optimism about the future of Amazon’s fulfillment operations, hinting at a shift towards automation. In a recent interview with CNBC, he discussed plans to integrate robotics and drone technology into the delivery process, stating, "Over time, as we expand the use of robotics in our fulfillment centers, we will have robots doing fulfillment and transportation for us."

The decision to solicit volunteer assistance comes amidst Amazon's efforts to innovate and adapt in a competitive grocery market, which has seen increasing pressure from other players in the industry. Experts suggest that while this move may help alleviate immediate operational needs during Prime Day, it is also indicative of broader challenges within Amazon Fresh and the logistics sector as a whole.

As Amazon navigates these complexities, the implications for its grocery delivery segment could shape the future of its business model, particularly as consumer preferences continue to evolve in the wake of economic pressures and technological advancements. The long-term success of Amazon Fresh may depend on its ability to balance cost management with enhanced customer service, leveraging both human resources and automation effectively.