How Amazon’s “Anytime Shifts” Work

Amazon offers the ability to create your own flexible schedule as a part of their Flex Time associates positions. Flex Time employees can construct their flexible schedules through shift opportunities called Anytime Shifts.

What is a Flex Time Position?

If you apply to an Amazon Warehouse role with a flexible schedule , you have yourself a Flex Time position.

It is important to note that Flex Time positions are different from “Amazon Flex” positions. Amazon Flex is a type of role where the worker uses their own car as a delivery partner for Amazon. Flex Time positions are entirely different positions that are centered in Amazon Fulfillment Centers , Sortation Centers , Delivery Stations , and other Amazon warehouses.

Flex Time positions allow Amazon workers to claim shifts that are called Anytime Shifts. When you are applying to be an Amazon Warehouse employee, you will be given a variety of scheduling options to choose from.

There are three main categories of schedules to choose from:

• “Fixed” schedules: which have a set, recurring schedule each week, which you can expect a schedule that repeats weekly while working part-time, reduced-time, or full-time hours.
• “Flexible” schedules: where associates create their schedule every week by picking up available shifts (Anytime Shifts) on the A to Z app. Depending on location and available hours, you may receive full benefits or an abbreviated offering.
• Hybrid “fixed + flexible” schedule: which is a combination of both. Depending on location and available hours, these schedules range between 4 and 40 hours each week, with the benefits packages matching the number of hours worked.

Amazon Flex Time positions are defined as “flexible” and “fixed + flexible” schedules. These are the positions that allow you to fill your schedule with Anytime Shifts.

Some roles in these Flex Time positions allow you to work a minimum of 4 hours per week, and the most common requirement is a 19 hour per week minimum. Occasionally, you may find opportunities that have anywhere from a 4 to 40 hour per week minimum. Flex Time employees must work the minimum hours per week they agreed to, but can work up to 60 hours each week.

Whether you are a parent having to adapt to the needs of your children, a student with a busy schedule, or any other reason, this role will allow you the ability to take control of your schedule.

What shifts are available through Anytime Shifts?

The Anytime Shift scheduling type does not truly offer work that can be done at “any time”. An “Anytime Shift” is a predefined shift with set start and end time offered to Flex Time employees to build their schedules. These shifts will all be offered through the Amazon A to Z app and can be claimed up to 15 days in advance.

Anytime Shift lengths can range from 4-12 hours and be found throughout all times of the day - but you will only see what is available at your particular warehouse. There is usually a set day during the week when Anytime Shifts become available. Favorable shifts tend to be claimed more quickly, such as weekday & daytime shifts. Here are all the possible shifts you may see:

• Early morning: Early morning shifts typically start between 4:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and end between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Day: Day shifts typically start between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and end between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. local time.
• Mid-Day: Mid-Day shifts typically start between 12 p.m and 3:30 p.m and end between 3:30 p.m and 6:30 p.m.
• Night & Overnight : Evening and overnight typically start between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. and end between 5:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and typically earn more per hour.
• Weekend : Weekend shift rotations are typically the same as the rest of the week and may have a higher pay rate per hour.

If for any reason you can no longer work an “Anytime Shift” you have claimed, you can enjoy the freedom of canceling a shift in advance, no questions asked. If an Amazon Flex employee must leave a scheduled shift early, they have the ability to use their PTO or vacation time; if neither is used, the employee will be deducted a point using Amazon’s point system.

Can fixed schedule employees take Anytime Shifts?

No, Anytime Shifts are exclusively for Flex Time (flexible or hybrid fixed + flexible schedule) employees. Fixed schedule employees will not have access to take Anytime Shifts. The only shift opportunities offered to fixed schedule employees would be shifts during their off-days adjacent to their shift rotation; for example, someone on a Thurs-Sat night fixed schedule may occasionally be able to claim a Sun-Wed night shift as overtime. This kind of shift would not be considered an Anytime Shift.

How much do Anytime Shifts pay?

With a Flex Time position, your base pay is the pay you agreed to during the application. If you claim an Anytime Shift that is during the weekend or overnight, you may also receive up to an additional $2 shift differential. Amazon employees may also be paid additional incentives for working during peak season, up to $10/hour. Most of these incentives are $2-$5.

Amazon's minimum wage is currently set at $15 per hour, although most associates get paid more. Pay varies based on location with averages ranging from $17-20 per hour. You can also receive overtime pay for any hours worked above 40 hours a week. Overtime pay is paid at 1.5x your base (which does not include any shift differential). You are able to work up to 60 hours a week if you choose. Amazon's pay may vary based on position and location.

Additionally, depending on the Flex Time position you have chosen, you can also claim your Amazon benefits as a part of your employment compensation. Benefits may be limited to those working less than 20 hours per week.

All hourly Amazon employees have the option to utilize Amazon’s “Anytime Pay”, Amazon will provide you with a paycard that lets you withdraw up to 70% of eligible earned pay since your last paycheck. You can even withdraw money for the day you just worked within 1 hour of clocking out.

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