Amazon Updates Return-to-Office Policy, Allowing Managers to Terminate Non-Compliant Employees
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) has recently implemented a new return-to-office policy, giving managers the authority to terminate employees who fail to meet the company’s requirement of attending the office three times a week, according to reports from Insider.
The updated guidelines, which were shared internally this week, instruct managers to initially address non-compliance with employees in a private conversation. If the issue persists, managers are advised to document the discussion via email and, if necessary, take disciplinary actions, including termination.
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 approach to its return-to-office policy thus far. Earlier this year, over 30,000 employees expressed opposition to the policy, resulting in many staging walkouts. Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, had previously cautioned employees against resisting the current mandate.
In response to Insider’s inquiries, Amazon spokesperson Rob Munoz highlighted the company’s positive experience with increased in-office presence and mentioned that exceptions would be considered on a “case-by-case basis.”
It remains to be seen how this updated policy will be received by Amazon employees and whether it will effectively ensure compliance with the company’s return-to-office requirements.
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