Amazon focuses on mitigating impact of COVID-19

As the world continues its lockdown in a bid to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, business activity has been severely disrupted, and in some instances, has completely collapsed. When normalcy will be resumed is impossible to predict, while the impact on businesses is likely to last for months, if not years.

“This isn’t business as usual, and it’s a time of great stress and uncertainty. It’s also a moment in time when the work we’re doing is its most critical,” said Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos in an Instagram post.

As one of the biggest technology companies in the world, Amazon has consistently communicated a long-term strategy of continuing to evolve and diversify, instead of pursuing short-term goals and profits. In his Instagram post however, Bezos highlighted how Amazon is now singularly focused on adapting to the effects of COVID-19. “My own time and thinking are now wholly focused on COVID-19 and on how Amazon can best play its role. I want you to know Amazon will continue to do its part, and we won’t stop looking for new opportunities to help.”

While millions around the world are at risk of losing their jobs because of COVID-19, Amazon is not only looking to retain existing employees, but is also looking to recruit 100,000 more full- and part-time employees to fill positions within fulfillment centres and Amazon’s broader delivery network.

In addition to increased cleaning at Amazon facilities and the practice of physical distancing, Bezos said the company has also “placed purchase orders for millions of face masks we want to give to our employees and contractors who cannot work from home.”

The road to recovery, he also cautioned, is likely to be a long and challenging one. “Across the world, people are feeling the economic effects of this crisis, and I’m sad to tell you I predict things are going to get worse before they get better.”

While many companies may not be as well-equipped as Amazon to manage the fallout from COVID-19, they nevertheless need to start redirect their focus, not only to adapt to the effects of COVID-19, but also to formulate and develop business models and strategies that will allow them to adjust to a post-COVID-19 world.