Amazon demands full office presence: staff told to leave if unhappy

The recent in-office work policy at Amazon has provoked significant backlash, particularly among employees of its Amazon Web Services (AWS) unit. In an all-hands meeting, CEO Matt Garman stated that staff who disagree with the mandated five-day return to office (RTO) should consider leaving the company. This policy, which evolves from previous hybrid arrangements, is intended to bolster innovation and collaboration among Amazon employees, which Garman argues is hindered in a hybrid work model. As such, starting in January 2025, full-time office attendance will be required. The transition from a flexible work environment, which previously allowed for some remote work, has not been well received, prompting many employees to express their frustration through social media and internal channels. Some have even signaled their intention to seek employment elsewhere, citing a preference for companies offering more flexible working arrangements. The broader context includes the challenges many tech companies face as they navigate workforce expectations post-pandemic, with others in the industry, such as Google and Microsoft, providing varying degrees of remote work flexibility.