Amazon Implements New Policy Linking Promotions to Return-to-Office Mandate
In a recent update to its promotions policy, Amazon has announced that employees must adhere to the company’s return-to-office mandate in order to be eligible for promotions. The revised policy states that workers should be physically present in the office for at least three working days each week. Those who fail to meet this requirement would need approval from a Vice President in order to be considered for a promotion.
This development comes shortly after reports emerged that Amazon had instructed managers to discuss office-based working expectations with non-compliant employees, with the possibility of termination for those who continued to oppose the rule.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that promotions are an integral part of supporting employees’ growth and development. They emphasized that compliance with guidelines and policies is expected from employees being considered for promotion.
The disparity between Amazon’s expectations and the desires of its workers has been evident in recent months. After laying off approximately 27,000 employees at the end of 2022 and the beginning of 2023, Amazon requested that its office-based workers reduce their remote and hybrid working hours. This request came years after many employees were initially sent home due to the pandemic.
Earlier this year, a petition opposing the revised requirement garnered signatures from 30,000 Amazon workers, while a small group staged a walkout to protest this policy and the company’s environmental practices. However, Amazon clarified that only a fraction of those who committed to the walkout actually participated.
In addition to complying with company policies, employees seeking promotion should consistently demonstrate high-level performance, with the expectation that their role can expand alongside their career growth.
While Amazon’s stance may seem stringent, it aligns with a growing trend among companies cracking down on remote working. Google, Apple, and Roblox are among the other companies implementing measures to ensure compliance.
Rob Munoz, an Amazon spokesperson, reiterated that promotions are a means of supporting employees’ development and growth. He emphasized that adherence to company guidelines and policies is expected from employees being considered for promotion.
Amazon also highlights that it has established a remote work exception process to address specific circumstances.
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