Amazon’s New Policy Requires Compliance with Return-to-Office Mandate for Promotions
In a recent update to its promotions policy, Amazon has stated that employees must adhere to the company’s return-to-office mandate in order to be eligible for promotions. The revised policy, as reported by Business Insider, specifies that workers should be 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 Amazon reportedly instructed managers to discuss office-based working expectations with non-compliant employees, with the possibility of termination for those who continue to oppose the rule.
An Amazon spokesperson emphasized the importance of compliance with guidelines and policies for employees being considered for promotion. They stated, “Promotions are one of the many ways we support employees’ growth and development, and there are a variety of factors we consider when determining an employee’s readiness for the next level.”
The disparity between Amazon’s expectations and workers’ preferences has been evident in recent months. Following the dismissal of approximately 27,000 workers at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, Amazon requested that its office-based employees reduce their remote and hybrid working hours. This request came years after many employees were sent home during the peak of the pandemic.
Earlier this year, a petition opposing the revised requirement garnered signatures from 30,000 Amazon workers, and a small group even staged a walkout to protest this and the company’s environmental practices. However, Amazon noted that only a fraction of those who committed to the walkout actually participated.
In addition to compliance with company policies, employees seeking promotion should consistently demonstrate high-performance levels, and the role should have the potential for growth following promotion.
While Amazon’s stance may seem extreme, it is part of a growing trend among companies cracking down on remote working. Google, Apple, and Roblox are among the other companies implementing measures to discourage non-compliance.
Amazon spokesperson Rob Munoz emphasized that promotions are a means of supporting employees’ growth and development, and various factors are taken into account when assessing an employee’s readiness for advancement.
Amazon also highlights the existence of a remote work exception process for employees.
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