Amazon is facing widespread employee resignations following its recent decision to require staff to return to the office five days a week starting January 2025. This decision reverses the previous hybrid work model that allowed three days of in-office work and has led 73% of employees to consider seeking alternative employment before the policy takes effect.
A Fortune report highlights a significant divide between Amazon’s leadership and its employees regarding the benefits of in-office work. While CEO Andy Jassy claims that returning to the office will boost collaboration, 91% of employees surveyed by Blind are dissatisfied with the new policy, and many are seeking flexible work options elsewhere. Concerns are growing that Amazon’s decision may influence other tech giants, with over a third of respondents knowing someone who has already resigned and more than 80% aware of colleagues actively searching for new jobs due to the policy shift.
As employee dissatisfaction grows, internal channels are buzzing with activity, particularly among a “remote advocacy” group working to persuade Amazon leadership to reconsider the full-time office mandate. Employees are frustrated by inconsistencies in the policy; for instance, Amazon subsidiary One Medical only requires three days of in-office work starting in October, leading to claims of unequal treatment. An anonymous Amazon employee told Fortune, “People are not just unhappy – they’re furious. Many believe this decision doesn’t reflect the realities of modern work, especially for those who have found better balance working remotely.”
Experts predict that higher-level employees who have benefited from remote work, particularly those with families, are most likely to leave Amazon. Pavel Shynkarenko, founder of the HR platform Mellow, notes that experienced employees over 40 may be the first to exit. “It’s likely that highly skilled managers who have enjoyed remote work perks will resign”, he told HRD. In contrast, younger employees, such as Gen Z workers, may stay due to a challenging job market, despite their own dissatisfaction.
The Wider Impact
Amazon’s return-to-office mandate is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies caused by excessive management layers. In a memo on September 16, CEO Andy Jassy outlined plans to cut managerial layers and minimize redundant meetings. However, employees contend that these changes do not justify the five-day office requirement, particularly as flexibility has become the norm for many tech companies post-pandemic.
The decision has also faced external criticism, particularly in the UK, where it conflicts with government initiatives promoting flexible work. Officials argue that such policies enhance employee loyalty and productivity—contrary to Amazon’s claim that in-person work improves collaboration and innovation.
It remains unclear whether Amazon will adjust its stance in light of employee backlash, as the company has not publicly acknowledged the growing dissatisfaction. With low morale and many employees looking for new roles, Amazon risks a talent exodus if it does not reconsider its work approach.
