Amazon’s global workforce is adjusting to a significant policy change as the tech giant has mandated a full return to office work as of January 2, 2025. After years of remote and hybrid schedules, the move has sparked dissatisfaction among many employees, who question the necessity and benefits of this decision.
The Shift to Full-Time Office Work
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Amazon’s corporate employees predominantly worked remotely. In 2023, a hybrid schedule—three days in-office and two remote—became the norm. However, the latest policy requires all employees to be on-site five days a week, echoing pre-pandemic work arrangements.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy explained the decision in a September letter to employees, citing the need to return to in-office collaboration to drive innovation.
Employee Concerns and Pushback
For many employees, the policy change is unwelcome.
- Lack of Data: Seattle-based system development engineer CJ Felli voiced frustration, stating, “Whenever we ask for data to support the decision, it’s never provided, which is ironic for a company known for its data-driven approach.”
- Productivity and Well-being: Employees argue that remote work has boosted happiness and productivity. Felli added, “I do my best-focused work at home, and breaking the monotony really helps me.”
More than 500 Amazon employees signed a letter to Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, expressing disappointment with the “non-data-driven explanation” and advocating for the flexibility of remote work.
Broader Workplace Trends
Amazon’s decision comes as companies worldwide grapple with the balance between in-office, remote, and hybrid work models:
- Canadian Trends: As of May 2024, 18.7% of Canadians worked mostly from home, a drop from 2021 but still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
- Survey Insights: A Robert Half survey revealed that 40% of employees prefer hybrid work (2–3 days in-office), while employers generally push for more in-person days.
David King, senior managing director at Robert Half, noted, “Hybrid work remains a top priority for skilled workers, and it’s a draw for top talent.”
Other Companies Following Suit
Amazon isn’t alone in requiring a full return to the office:
- Dell mandated a five-day in-office schedule for its global sales team in September 2024.
- AT&T eliminated hybrid work at the start of 2025.
- Gigadat, a Calgary fintech, transitioned its 100-person staff back to full-time in-office work years ago.
Gigadat COO Cliff Nywening explained the decision: “Face-to-face collaboration improves mental health and productivity. But we lost some employees in the process.”
Amazon’s Challenges Ahead
Amazon’s long reliance on remote and hybrid models may complicate the transition. Nywening predicts, “The longer you’ve allowed hybrid work, the harder it is to shift back to full-time in-office.”
Felli and other employees remain skeptical, with some considering leaving the company. “Our whole business model revolves around serving people who want remote convenience. If we can’t make remote work, what are we even selling?” Felli questioned.
The Future of Work at Amazon
As Amazon moves forward, the company faces a delicate balance between fostering innovation through in-person collaboration and addressing employee preferences for flexibility. Whether this policy shift will improve productivity or drive talent away remains to be seen.