Amazon has updated its promotions policy, stating that employees must adhere to the company’s return-to-office mandate in order to be eligible for promotion.
The revised policy, as reported by Business Insider, requires workers to be present in the office for at least three working days per week. Those who fail to meet this requirement would need VP approval to be considered for 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.
Amazon’s push for office presence
An Amazon spokesperson told Business Insider: “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.”
In recent months, a disconnect has emerged between Amazon’s expectations and the desires of its workers. After laying off around 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 worked remotely during the peak of the pandemic.
Earlier this year, 30,000 Amazon employees signed an internal petition opposing the revised requirement, and a small group even staged a walkout to protest this and the company’s environmental practices.
At the time, Amazon clarified that only a fraction of those who pledged to walk out actually did so.
In addition to complying with company policies, employees must consistently demonstrate performance at the next level, ensuring that the role can evolve with their 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, stated in an email to TechRadar Pro: “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 company guidelines and policies.”
The company also emphasizes that it has a process in place for exceptions to remote work.