More than 500 Amazon employees are fighting the company’s return-to-office (RTO) policy by signing a petition urging AWS CEO Matt Garman to reconsider in-office work five days a week.
The petition challenges Garman’s recent statements at an AWS Global Meeting. It criticizes the company’s decision to move away from a hybrid work model.
Employee Discontent Over In-Office Mandate
In the letter, employees expressed frustration over Garman’s remarks and the proposed five-day RTO mandate.
It said:
“We were appalled to hear the non-data-driven explanation you gave for Amazon imposing a 5-day in-office mandate.”
At an all-hands meeting last month, Garman argued the existing three-day hybrid model had not delivered effective collaboration. This is because employees often worked in the office on different days.
He suggested those who disliked the new full-week mandate were welcome to seek employment elsewhere.
However, the letter’s 523 signatories—including 172 employees who included their names—pointed out that Garman’s assessment “was inconsistent with the experiences of many employees.”
Challenges for Working Parents, Caregivers, and Diverse Employees
Signatories emphasized that the in-office mandate could negatively impact several employee groups, including parents, caregivers, and those with disabilities or neurodiverse needs.
They also noted the added pressure for workers on visas who may face complications if they choose to leave Amazon over the policy.
Many employees are reportedly considering job opportunities elsewhere, with Fortune reporting a trend of “rage-applying” for alternative positions.
Amazon’s Perspective on In-Office Work Benefits
Amazon’s CEO, Andy Jassy, previously announced that employees would be required to return to the office five days a week starting January 2, 2025.
In a company blog post, Jassy highlighted the benefits of in-person collaboration. He wrote:
“We’ve observed that it’s easier for our teammates to learn, model, practice, and strengthen our culture; collaborating, brainstorming, and inventing is simpler and more effective.”
Jassy also cited his own experiences over the last 15 months of in-office work as reinforcing his commitment to a traditional workplace structure.
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Company Resources for Transitioning Back to the Office
An Amazon spokesperson, Margaret Callahan, acknowledged the shift may be challenging for some employees.
She said Amazon is providing ample notice to help employees prepare.
She added it offers support options depending on location, such as elder care, pet-sitting services, and commuter benefits.
These benefits include funded public transportation, commuter shuttles, and flexible subsidies for rideshare, carpooling, and biking expenses.
Broader Implications of the RTO Mandate
The new policy has sparked a debate on work flexibility within Amazon and reflects a growing divide in tech over remote work preferences.
The RTO policy has driven some employees to reconsider their positions, revealing the friction between Amazon’s operational goals and employee demands for greater work-life balance.
