Amazon CEO Addresses Controversy Over Full In-Office Mandate
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy clarifies that the full in-office mandate is not intended as a backdoor layoff strategy. Employees express concerns over the stricter in-office policy, citing potential hindrances to productivity. Amazon offers commuter benefits and subsidised parking rates to support the return-to-office transition.
Jassy clarified that the mandate is not intended to force employees out or appease city officials, as some had speculated.
The decision to increase in-office days from three to five has sparked concern among Amazon employees, who believe the policy is more stringent than that of other tech companies and could harm productivity due to longer commute times.
Employees who consistently fail to comply with the new mandate have been informed that they will be considered voluntarily resigning and will be denied access to company computers.
During an all-hands meeting, Jassy addressed the speculation surrounding the mandate, stating, "A number of people I've seen theorised that the reason we were doing this is, it's a backdoor layoff, or we made some sort of deal with city or cities. I can tell you both of those are not true. This is very much about our culture and strengthening our culture."
Amazon spokespersons declined to comment further on the matter.
Previously, Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services, suggested that employees who were unwilling to meet the full in-office requirement should look for other opportunities. He stated that the majority of employees he spoke with supported the change.
In response to the concerns expressed by over 500 Amazon employees in a signed letter, the company announced that it is providing commuter benefits and subsidised parking rates to help with the transition back to work.
Jassy acknowledged the challenges posed by the new policy, stating, "It is an adjustment. I understand that for a lot of people, and we're going to be working through that adjustment together."
The CEO also highlighted the company's efforts to address bureaucracy internally, mentioning that out of approximately 500 emails received, action had been taken on around 150 of them, without providing specific details.
Jassy emphasised his aversion to bureaucracy, stating, "One of the reasons I'm still at this company is because it's not a political, bureaucratic place."
Amazon recently reported a record US$15.3 billion profit in the third quarter and expects a strong holiday season. The five-day in-office mandate is scheduled to begin on January 2.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy clarifies that the full in-office mandate is not intended as a backdoor layoff strategy.
Employees express concerns over the stricter in-office policy, citing potential hindrances to productivity.
Amazon offers commuter benefits and subsidised parking rates to support the return-to-office transition.
Source: REUTERS