Amazon Updates Promotions Policy, Requires Compliance with Return-to-Office Mandate

In a recent revision 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 promotion. The updated 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 to be considered for a promotion.

This development comes shortly after Amazon 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 explained, “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. Like any company, we expect employees who are being considered for promotion to be in compliance with any guidelines and policies.”

The disparity between Amazon’s expectations and employees’ desires has been evident in recent months. After laying off 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, despite many having worked from home during the peak of the pandemic.

Earlier this year, a petition opposing the revised requirement was signed by 30,000 Amazon workers, and a small group even staged a walkout to protest this and the company’s environmental practices. However, Amazon clarified that only a fraction of those who committed to the walkout actually participated.

In addition to complying with company policies, employees must consistently demonstrate high-level performance, and the role they are in should have room for growth following promotion.

While Amazon’s stance may seem stringent, 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.

Rob Munoz, an Amazon spokesperson, emphasized that promotions are a means of supporting employees’ growth and development, and various factors are taken into account when assessing readiness for advancement. Munoz stated, “Like any company, we expect employees who are being considered for promotion to be in compliance with company guidelines and policies.”

Amazon also highlights that it has established a process for exceptions to remote work.

Source: Business Insider