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 that grants managers the authority to terminate employees who fail to adhere to the company’s requirement of attending the office at least three times a week.
According to Insider, the updated guidelines were shared internally this week. Managers are instructed to initially address non-compliance privately with the employees in question. If the issue persists, managers are then advised to document the conversation 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. Earlier this year, over 30,000 employees expressed their opposition to 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’s inquiry, Amazon’s spokesperson, Rob Munoz, highlighted the company’s positive experience with more employees in the office 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 encourage a higher rate of office attendance.
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