New Delhi
Amazon is intensifying pressure on its corporate employees to comply with its return-to-office mandate, stating that those who do not adhere may face promotion hurdles. The mandate, requiring employees to be in the office at least three days a week, has sparked tensions with some of Amazon's 350,000 corporate staff.
The company asserts that promotions are contingent on compliance with guidelines and policies, emphasising the role of managers in evaluating an employee's readiness for advancement.
According to a report by CNBC, the announcement has stirred discontent among Amazon employees, with protests and petitions against the return-to-office policy. The company's shift from a Covid-era flexible work arrangement to a more office-centric culture has been met with resistance. Despite internal opposition, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy remains steadfast in the decision.
Amazon's policy adjustments during the pandemic have been marked by shifts in its stance on remote work. Initially, the company declared a return to an "office-centric culture," but it later embraced a more flexible approach.
The return-to-office mandate, implemented in February 2023, led to protests and petitions, but Amazon has remained firm in its commitment to office-based work, stating that teams are better connected when working in person.
The company's recent announcement about blocking promotions for non-compliant employees adds another layer to the ongoing debate about the future of work, with Amazon positioning face-to-face interactions as essential for effective collaboration. Critics argue that this approach may not align with evolving trends favoring hybrid and remote work arrangements.
"Teams tend to be better connected to one another when they see each other in person more frequently," CNBC quoted Jassy as saying. The company's internal memo outlines the responsibility of managers in the promotion process, emphasising compliance with office work requirements as a key factor.
Employees have raised concerns about the impact of this policy on their career growth, highlighting the challenges faced by those who prefer remote or hybrid work arrangements.
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