Return or resign: Amazon AWS CEO reiterates 5-day work from office

In a strong message to employees dissatisfied with the company's new return-to-office policy, Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman has backed the decision to implement a five-day in-office work week beginning in January 2024. During a recent all-hands meeting, Garman emphasized that those who oppose the policy have the choice to exit the company.

Garman’s remarks follow concerns raised by some employees regarding the transition from the existing three-day-a-week office requirement. He noted that while the majority of staff are in favour of the change, those who find it unsuitable for their circumstances are welcome to pursue other job opportunities.

He stated that working in the office is essential for fostering innovation and collaboration, and the company has encountered challenges in developing new products when employees are not on-site.

The policy has faced backlash from some Amazon employees who contend that commuting is time-consuming and that independent studies do not back the claimed benefits of office work. Many workers believe that the flexibility of remote work, which became more prevalent during the pandemic, should be maintained.

Amazon had been following a three-day in-office policy. However, in August, CEO Andy Jassy revealed a move to a five-day office schedule, stressing the need for in-person collaboration to "invent, work together, and stay connected."

According to reports, this firm approach has led to rising tensions within the company. Employees who did not adhere to the previous three-day policy were told they were “voluntarily resigning” and were subsequently locked out of Amazon's systems. This move has heightened dissatisfaction among segments of the workforce, especially those who argue that remote work is more effective.

With a workforce of over 1.5 million worldwide, Amazon has implemented a more rigid return-to-office policy compared to many of its tech industry counterparts. In contrast, companies such as Google, Meta, and Microsoft have embraced more flexible arrangements, generally requiring employees to be in the office two to three days a week.

Being the world's second-largest private employer, just behind Walmart, Amazon's workplace policy decisions are closely observed.