Big News from Amazon: Back to the Office Full-Time
Amazon orders employees come back to the office five days a week
Amazon has officially announced that starting January 2nd, 2025 corporate employees will need to return to the office five days a week. This marks a shift from their previous hybrid model, which required a minimum of three in-office days per week.
CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the importance of face-to-face collaboration, stating that "the advantages of being together in the office are significant." This new policy also comes alongside a corporate restructuring, where Amazon will be reducing the number of managers in each team.
Amazon is one of the largest US employers, and their decision could signal a broader trend away from hybrid and remote work. After the pandemic, many employees have voiced a preference for flexible work arrangements, and last year about 10% of Amazon's workforce signed a petition against the three-day in-office policy.
Despite the pushback, the CEO remains firm on his decision, citing increased collaboration and innovation in teams that work together in person. For employees with specific needs or "extenuating circumstances” there may still be opportunities for remote or hybrid work, but the general expectation is clear: the office is calling.
As the pandemic-era shift to remote work fades, Amazon's decision could be a glimpse of what's to come for other major companies.