Amazon Implements New Policy Linking Promotions to Return-to-Office Mandate
In a recent update to its promotions policy, Amazon has stated that employees must comply with the company’s return-to-office mandate in order to be eligible for promotions. The revised policy, which requires workers to be present in the office for at least three working days each week, states that those who fail to meet this requirement would need approval from a vice president to be considered for a promotion.
This development comes less than a month 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 emphasized the importance of compliance with guidelines and policies when considering employees 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 the desires of its workers has been evident in recent months. After laying off approximately 27,000 employees at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, Amazon requested that its office-based workers reduce their remote and hybrid working hours, despite many having been 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 policy and the company’s environmental practices. However, Amazon clarified that only a fraction of those who committed to walking out actually did so.
In addition to adhering to company policies, employees seeking promotion should consistently demonstrate high-level performance, while the role itself should offer room for growth. Amazon’s stance on this matter may seem extreme, but it aligns with a growing trend among companies such as Google, Apple, and Roblox, all of which have implemented measures to discourage remote working.
Rob Munoz, an Amazon spokesperson, highlighted that promotions are part of the company’s efforts to support employee growth and development. He stated, “Like any company, we expect employees who are being considered for promotion to be in compliance with company guidelines and policies.”
Amazon also emphasized that it has established a remote work exception process to accommodate certain circumstances.
For more news and updates, visit TechRadar Pro.