[Image: Ctrl.blog / CC]
Amazon is tightening the reins on its return-to-office policy with the tech giant now telling some employees they must relocate to one of its main corporate hubs, or resign.
According to reports, Amazon has begun informing staff who work remotely or far from designated offices that if they want to stay with the company, they’ll need to pack their bags and move closer to one of a handful of central locations like Seattle, New York, or Arlington. If they don’t? They’ll be shown the door—with severance.
This move follows Amazon’s earlier push for corporate staff to return to the office at least three days a week, which sparked internal protests and petitions earlier this year.
The company stood firm then, and now it’s doubling down. “We’ve shared with employees that we’re asking people to move to their team’s main hub,” an Amazon spokesperson said.
“If someone chooses not to relocate, we do offer support, including a separation package.”
While Amazon insists the policy is about fostering in-person collaboration and long-term business success, employees impacted by the change aren’t thrilled. Some have taken to anonymous forums to vent their frustration, especially those who joined the company under the impression that remote work was a viable long-term option.
“At this point I feel like every single fucking thing we’ve known… Or I should say I’ve known is just imploding, exploding and falling apart.”
“Amazon engineering has been circling the toilet for awhile now. They are probably trying to get the workforce to self-trim, sort of like the fed right now.”
“Unfortunately, the practices that make Amazon hell for employees make things great for customers.”
For now, it seems Amazon is betting that centralising teams in key cities will help boost productivity. But for many employees, it’s a tough choice: uproot your life, or leave the company.
The days of Simon Sinek and employee-focused policies seem to be over, or as one Reddit user put it: “I f*cking hate this timeline for us all.”
[Source: Entrepeneur & Reddit]
