Amazon Is Telling Its Workers To Return To The Office

Amazon employees in the US have been sent cautionary emails by the company due to insufficient in-office presence, following the monitoring of their attendance.

Certain workers were informed that their current behavior of not being present in the office for a minimum of three days a week falls short of expectations. Amazon is joining other major tech companies like Disney and Zoom¹ in moving away from the flexible remote work policies that became prevalent during the pandemic. Starting in May, Amazon’s policy requires its U.S. employees to physically be in the office and “badge in” for a minimum of three days every week.

An email sent this week and disclosed by the BBC targeted employees at Amazon who had been in the office less than the required amount. This caused tension among employees, with some receiving the email by mistake. In the US, Amazon workers protested against returning to the office in June, citing low morale due to decisions made by leaders. Some employees speculated if this signaled stricter attendance rules.

Amazon responded, explaining the email was for those not meeting the policy despite the office being ready. They acknowledged potential mistakes in sending the warnings. Remote work, adopted by many during the pandemic, remains popular for its flexibility.

Many companies are reversing policies due to concerns about potential impacts on productivity, but most have embraced hybrid work models to some extent.

In a memo sent out by Amazon in May, CEO Andy Jassy mentioned that the updated attendance requirements would enhance communication, career growth, and corporate culture.