Amazon Implements New Policy: Return to Office or No Promotion
In a recent update to its promotions policy, Amazon has made it clear 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, states that workers are expected to be 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 announcement 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 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 past few months have highlighted a significant gap between Amazon’s expectations and the desires of its workers. After laying off approximately 27,000 employees at the end of 2022 and beginning of 2023, Amazon then 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 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 stated that only a fraction of those who committed to the walkout actually participated.
In addition to complying with company policies, employees must consistently demonstrate performance at the next level, and the role should have room for growth following promotion.
While Amazon’s stance may seem extreme, it is not alone in cracking down on remote working. Other companies such as Google, Apple, and Roblox have also implemented anti-compliance measures.
Rob Munoz, an Amazon spokesperson, emphasized that promotions are part of the company’s support for employees’ 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 highlights that it has a remote work exception process in place.
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