Amazon mandates 5 days a week in office from 2025
What's the story
Amazon has announced a significant policy change, requiring its employees to return to the office five days a week starting January 2, 2025. This decision marks a departure from the company's previous hybrid work model. The new directive was communicated by CEO Andy Jassy in a memo to workers, highlighting the firm's belief in the advantages of in-person collaboration.
Advantages
CEO emphasizes benefits of in-office work
In his memo, Jassy stated, "We've decided that we're going to return to being in the office the way we were before the onset of COVID." He underscored that working from the office has proven beneficial for Amazon's operations. "We've observed that it's easier for our teammates to learn, model, practice, and strengthen our culture," Jassy noted. He further explained that physical presence enhances collaboration, brainstorming, and innovation.
Flexibility
New policy allows exceptions for remote work
The new policy forces all employees to be back in the office. However, exceptions will be made for "extenuating circumstances," like illness and emergencies. Employees with approved remote work exceptions will also be permitted to work from home. "Before the pandemic, not everybody was in the office five days a week, every week," Jassy said. "If you or your child were sick... if you needed a day or two to finish coding... people worked remotely."
Seating arrangements
Amazon to reintroduce assigned seating at select offices
As part of the transition, Amazon plans to reintroduce assigned seating at some of its offices. This change will impact locations such as the US headquarters in Puget Sound and Arlington. Offices that earlier had flexible seating arrangements will continue with that model. The policy will take effect on January 2, next year, with Amazon's Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF) team developing a plan to manage desk arrangements.