I'm an Amazon manager who found out I was on a Focus PIP after helping an employee

• An Amazon manager said they resisted a directive to put a worker on a performance improvement plan.
• The manager said they faced severe stress and sought FMLA to cope.
• An Amazon spokesperson said the PIP process isn't used to try to reduce the employee base.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with an Amazon employee who sought to go on medical leave because of a stressful situation that developed with their manager. This person spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid jeopardizing their career. Business Insider has verified the worker's identity and employment at the company. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.