Amazon has announced a major shift in its work policy, requiring employees to return to the office full-time starting next year. Previously, employees were allowed to work from home three days a week, but under the new directive, they must be in the office all five days. This decision has sparked significant backlash from employees who prefer hybrid or remote work arrangements.
At a recent event, Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman discussed the company’s return-to-office (RTO) mandate, asserting that in-person work is crucial for driving innovation and operational efficiency. He highlighted the value of spontaneous interactions, saying impromptu chats in hallways and quick brainstorming sessions can’t happen as effectively in remote settings.
Garman acknowledged that the mandate may not be suitable for everyone. He stated, “If it’s not for you, then that’s okay – you can go and find another company if you want.” His comments come amid internal debates, with many employees voicing concerns about losing the flexibility they have grown accustomed to. Reports indicate that around 37,000 employees have joined an internal Slack channel advocating for continued remote work options.
During an earlier all-hands meeting, Garman reiterated that while some employees support the RTO policy, it might not suit all. “If there are people who just don’t work well in that environment and don’t want to, that’s okay; there are other companies around,” he said, highlighting the need for a collaborative work atmosphere.
Galetti’s remarks reflect Amazon’s intention to return to a work culture that balances flexibility with a focus on in-person collaboration. As the company navigates these changes, the pushback from employees raises important questions about workplace dynamics in the post-pandemic era.
