Amazon had mandated a return to the five day work week, let’s talk about it… The pandemic reshaped the way we think about work, making traditional office models seem outdated in a technology-driven era. Many industries, except those like hospitality, labour, education, and healthcare, embraced flexible work, with hybrid models proving that productivity doesn’t require a constant office presence. Over the last four years, flexible arrangements have allowed employees to blend in-office, remote, and mobile work, redefining the modern workplace.

 

Amazon’s Mandatory Return to Office: Why Now?

In a surprising move, Amazon’s CEO Andy Jassy recently announced a mandate requiring corporate employees to return to the office five days a week. According to Jassy, “the benefits of working together in the office are substantial,” emphasising the need for in-person collaboration.

 

He explained the decision further:

 

“We want to operate like the world’s largest startup… This means having strong urgency, fast decision-making, deeply connected collaboration, and a shared commitment. You need to be joined at the hip with your teammates when solving hard problems.”

 

Amazon’s policy follows a growing trend among large companies pushing for a full return to office work. However, after several years of employees working effectively in hybrid or remote positions, many see this as a step backward.

 

Employee Backlash & Potential Fallout at Amazon

Amazon’s return-to-office policy is expected to prompt some employees to leave the company. Forcing workers to relocate or commute full-time may alienate those who previously thrived in flexible arrangements. Additionally, this move could undermine Amazon’s efforts to promote workplace diversity and inclusivity.

Other companies, like Zoom, Apple, and Goldman Sachs, have also implemented return-to-office policies. However, most of these policies are less rigid than Amazon’s. For instance, Zoom’s policy, introduced in August 2023, only requires a two-day in-office presence for employees living within 50 miles of their headquarters, affecting just 37% of its workforce.

 

Impact on Diversity and Inclusion at Amazon

Amazon’s new policy could disproportionately affect employees who rely on flexible working arrangements for a better work-life balance. Those most impacted by the five-day in-office mandate include:

 

• • Parents and caregivers
  • Employees with disabilities
  • Workers with limited relocation options

 

By eliminating flexibility, Amazon risks a decline in employee engagement, retention, and trust, along with a negative impact on general well-being and productivity.

 

Is Full-Time Office Work Necessary for Productivity?

The idea that productivity depends on physical presence in the office is increasingly outdated. Studies show that flexible work arrangements can enhance innovation and collaboration. For example, McKinsey’s review of PwC’s Workforce Radar Report found that companies with flexible work policies saw a 63% increase in innovation.

The frustration is palpable for employees who have proven they can be just as productive from home. Many are left wondering if their companies learned anything about employee engagement and satisfaction from the pandemic.

 

Is Amazon’s Move a PR Play?

Finally, it’s worth noting that these rules often aren’t applied uniformly across all levels of a company. Some wonder whether forcing a return to the office is simply better PR than executing large-scale layoffs. Either way, the decision could have long-lasting implications for Amazon’s workforce, especially as employee expectations continue to evolve in the post-pandemic world.

 

Conclusion

As they revert to a five-day workweek, the decision has sparked debate over the necessity of full-time office work and its impact on workplace diversity, flexibility, and productivity. In a rapidly changing world, companies that resist flexible work arrangements may find themselves struggling to retain top talent. Will Amazon’s strict policy help the company thrive, or push more employees to seek better opportunities elsewhere? Only time will tell…

Learn more about remote and hybrid teams and how to support them, here.