Amazon Updates Return-to-Office Policy, Allowing Managers to Terminate Non-Compliant Employees

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has implemented a new return-to-office policy that grants managers the authority to terminate employees who fail to meet the company’s thrice-a-week office attendance requirement.

According to internal guidelines shared this week, managers are instructed to address non-compliance privately with the affected employees. If the issue persists, managers are advised to document the conversation via email and, if necessary, take disciplinary actions, including termination, as reported by Insider.

The guidelines state, “If the employee does not demonstrate immediate and sustained attendance after the first conversation, managers should then conduct a follow-up discussion… This conversation will 1) reinforce that return to office 3+ days a week is a requirement of their job, and 2) explain that continued non-compliance without a legitimate reason may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your employment.”

This represents Amazon’s most stringent measure regarding its return-to-office policy. Earlier this year, over 30,000 employees protested against the policy, resulting in many walking out. Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, had previously cautioned employees against resisting the current mandate.

In response to Insider, Amazon’s spokesperson, Rob Munoz, highlighted the company’s positive experience with more employees in the office and stated that exceptions would be considered on a “case-by-case basis.”

This news comes as Amazon continues to make headlines with its expansion plans, including the extension of its drone delivery service to the UK and Italy.

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