Amazon warehouse workers need a break. They just cleared a holiday season that set new sales records for the company — but was marred by the deaths of the people who actually fulfilled all those orders. But instead of lowering the absurd expectations placed on these workers, or extending additional care and support to them, or paying them more, Amazon has figured out the dumbest, most ineffectual solution available: “wellness huddles.”
According to a report from Vice, workers in Amazon’s fulfillment centers are having their work days interrupted by group exercises. At some point during the workday, per workers Vice spoke to, employees are called over to a TV or laptop where they are asked to watch an animated video that shows different stretches they can do. Workers are encouraged to follow along with the instructional video and perform the stretches that help to strengthen their core muscles to help preserve their bodies so they can continue to be exploited. Once the several-minute-long video ends, the workers are sent back to their stations.
