Introduction
A company’s ability to be a good or bad employer is primarily determined by the policies, practices, and culture it has in place. A good employer values employees and provides a safe, productive, and positive working environment. Such employers typically offer competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. They also prioritize employee feedback and take proactive steps to create a positive culture and support employee development. At the same time, bad employers fail to provide a good work environment and may be characterized by low wages, long hours, and a lack of career opportunities. Poor workplace policies, inadequate safety measures, and unfair treatment of employees are all indicators of a bad employer. This essay analyses the HRM practices in both Cisco and Amazon that make them good and bad employers consecutively.
Cisco
Cisco Systems is a technology company known for its commitment to being a good employer. Regarding selection, Cisco’s rigorous recruitment process ensures only the best candidates are hired, and the company emphasizes diversity and inclusion (Chen). Concerning training, Cisco provides extensive training programs to ensure employees have the knowledge and skills to excel in their roles. Career development opportunities are also available, with employees being able to choose from various career paths and development plans (Chen). Cisco also provides employees with a highly competitive remuneration package. From salaries and bonuses to stock options and other benefits, the company strives to provide its employees with the best compensation (Chen). This includes a range of benefits such as health insurance, 401K plans, and other attractive perks.
Cisco also strongly focuses on employee engagement and positive work culture, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and productivity. The company strives to create an environment where employees feel valued and supported and can take ownership of their work and contribute to the organization’s success. The company has a strong culture of employee feedback and rewards employees for their hard work and dedication (Chen). Cisco also has a range of employee benefits, such as flexible working hours, medical and dental coverage, and generous vacation policies. Additionally, Cisco provides employees with access to professional development resources, such as coaching and mentoring programs, and encourages employees to take part in activities outside of work (Chen).
Cisco’s commitment to being a good employer is evidenced by its numerous awards, such as the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For award in 2020. Additionally, the company has been named one of the top employers in the US by Glassdoor. It is a leader in diversity and inclusion, having recently been named one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ equality (Wright). In terms of HRM practices, it is clear that Cisco is a good employer. The company has a range of policies and procedures that prioritize employee well-being and development, and it is evident that the company values its employees and their contributions (Wright). As a result, it is safe to say that Cisco is a good employer and deserves the accolades it has received.
There is ample evidence to suggest that Cisco Systems is a good employer. Its selection process is thorough and comprehensive, its training and development opportunities are excellent, and its highly competitive remuneration package and its focus on career development and a positive work culture make it an attractive option for potential employees (Wright). Therefore, although it may not be considered a “best” employer, Cisco Systems is undoubtedly sound.
Amazon Company
Amazon is one of the world’s largest and most successful companies, yet there is evidence that it is a bad employer. Amazon has been criticized for its HRM practices, particularly those related to hiring, training, career advancement, and payment. Regarding hiring, Amazon has prioritized speed and quantity over quality (How Amazon undermines jobs, wages, and working conditions). This has led to a reliance on low-wage and part-time workers and resulted in employees’ lack of commitment. Additionally, Amazon’s training programs have often been found lacking in terms of quality and effectiveness (How Amazon undermines jobs, wages, and working conditions). Employees have also reported difficulty transitioning to higher-level roles due to the lack of clear career paths and advancement opportunities.
Concerning remuneration, Amazon has been criticized for its low wages and lack of benefits. According to reports, Amazon’s salaries are below the industry standard, and the company does not offer adequate health care coverage or other benefits to its employees. Additionally, Amazon has been accused of its unequal pay practices, as female and minority employees are often paid less than their white and male counterparts (How Amazon undermines jobs, wages, and working conditions). Moreover, the company has been accused of failing to provide its employees with adequate training and development opportunities. Employees often report feeling stuck in their current positions with no chances to move up or gain new skills.
Furthermore, Amazon has been reported to have a harmful and toxic work culture, with employees reporting high-stress levels, long hours, and low morale. Employees have also reported feeling overworked and undervalued (Coca). There has been a concern that Amazon lacks diversity in the workplace. The company has been accused of not doing enough to attract and retain a diverse workforce, with a lack of representation of people of colour and women in leadership positions (Coca). This has been highlighted by reports of discrimination and harassment within the company.
The company’s policies and practices have also been called into question. Many amazon workers have reported that the organization lacks job security and tends to replace full-time employees with part-time workers to avoid providing benefits. Additionally, the company has been accused of using punitive tactics to discipline employees, such as placing them on unpaid leave or issuing warnings for minor infractions. The company has been accused of exploiting its workers, with employees earning wages far below the national minimum wage and engaging in unpaid overtime to meet performance targets. Furthermore, Amazon has been accused of using anti-union tactics such as conducting anti-union meetings and firing employees attempting to organize.
The company has also been accused of failing to provide its employees with a safe and healthy working environment. Reports have described Amazon warehouses as having poor ventilation, overcrowding, and inadequate sanitation (Coca). Employees have also reported being subjected to excessive monitoring and surveillance, as well as being subjected to harsh penalties for taking too many breaks. In addition, Amazon is known for its aggressive approach to labour disputes, with some workers being threatened with termination if they speak out about their grievances. Amazon has been accused of not providing employees with sufficient information on their rights and responsibilities and failing to take responsibility for any allegations of misconduct or unfair treatment (Brancaccio et al.). This lack of transparency has been cited as a critical factor in the company being named one of the worst employers in the United States.
There is substantial evidence sufficient enough to consider Amazon a “bad” employer. The company’s HRM practices are inadequate and do not prioritize employee well-being or safety. Furthermore, Amazon’s approach to labour disputes is overly aggressive and does not foster a positive working environment (Brancaccio et al.). This is further evidenced by the reports of excessive surveillance, harsh penalties for taking breaks, and long working hours, which are all indicative of a bad employer.
Although Amazon has been widely criticized for its labour practices, workers may appreciate a few things when working for the company. Firstly, Amazon offers its employees a competitive salary and benefits package, including paid vacation and parental leave. Furthermore, the company has implemented several initiatives to support employee development, such as providing access to online courses and offering tuition reimbursement (Brancaccio et al.). Lastly, Amazon has been praised for its commitment to innovation, allowing employees to work on cutting-edge projects and access advanced technology (Brancaccio et al.). Despite its numerous shortcomings, Amazon may still provide a rewarding work experience for its employees.
Conclusion
Both Cisco and Amazon have their strengths and weaknesses regarding HRM practices. Cisco is a good employer, providing competitive salaries, benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. On the other hand, Amazon can be termed as a bad employer, with inadequate HRM practices, low wages, and a lack of commitment to employee safety and well-being. However, people have different experiences working in organizations, which may broadly vary. Although Amazon provides some benefits to its employees, such as a competitive salary for some workers and development opportunities, there is evidence to suggest that it is a bad employer. Therefore, when considering which company to work for, it is essential to consider its HRM practices and the workplace culture it promotes.
Works Cited
Brancaccio, David, et al. “How HR Mishaps Left Amazon Workers Underpaid and out of Jobs.” Marketplace, Web.
Chen, Han. “The Success of Cisco Systems, Inc.’s Human Resource Management Strategy.” Journal of Service Science and Management, Scientific Research Publishing, Web.
Coca, Nithin. “Why It’s Time to Blow the Whistle on Amazon.” Equal Times, 2020, Web.
How Amazon Undermines Jobs, Wages, and Working Conditions. Web.
Wright, Aliah D. “Technology Allows Cisco to Work with the Best, No Matter Where They Are.” SHRM, SHRM, Web.