Photo credit: arstechnica.com
Amazon’s announcement requiring its employees to return to the office full-time has sparked widespread discontent among the workforce. According to a survey conducted by Blind, an anonymous online community for verified professionals, a significant majority of Amazon workers expressed their dissatisfaction with the new in-office mandate that will take effect in early 2025.
Since May, Amazon’s policy allowed employees to work remotely up to two days a week. This arrangement was monitored through tracking systems that logged badge swipes and office attendance. However, in a memo dated September 16, CEO Andy Jassy indicated that employees would need to return to the office five days a week, a decision aimed at fostering team collaboration and strengthening company culture.
Between September 17 and 19, Blind surveyed 2,585 Amazon employees, finding a stark disapproval of the policy. Almost three-quarters of those surveyed indicated they are considering seeking jobs elsewhere due to the mandated return-to-office (RTO) requirements. Additionally, 80% of respondents affiliated with Amazon reported knowing someone who is contemplating a job change because of the new policy, while 32% stated they are aware of someone who has already resigned in anticipation of the shift.
Discussions about the new policy have proliferated in various forums, with many employees citing feelings of injustice since they were originally hired under remote work agreements during the pandemic. Some employees have voiced their frustrations on platforms like Reddit, expressing concerns that this move signals a potential reduction in workforce size. One anonymous user remarked on the irrationality of commuting to an office devoid of team members, highlighting the personal and environmental costs of the decision.
Employee Sentiment
The survey results reveal a deep-seated frustration among employees, with many feeling their quality of life might suffer as a result of the RTO policy. Some shared that the new requirements could lead to significant lifestyle changes, including relocation or adjustments to family responsibilities. One employee articulated their disillusionment with the company’s direction and decisions, stating that such mandates negatively impact their personal aspirations.
As of late 2023, Amazon employs approximately 1.5 million individuals globally. This abrupt shift towards full in-person work arrives amid ongoing demands from employees for higher wages and better working conditions. While exceptions to the RTO policy will be made for family emergencies and certain roles, the overall sentiment remains one of frustration and uncertainty.
In his memo, Jassy emphasized the advantages of in-person collaboration and noted that the events of the past 15 months had only reinforced this perspective. Despite this assertion, research has increasingly suggested that stringent remote work policies can hamper productivity, employee retention, and overall morale. Companies like Apple, Microsoft, and SpaceX have reportedly faced similar challenges, losing valuable talent in the wake of enforced RTO policies.
Source
arstechnica.com