Amazon has told its managers to block staff promotions if they fail to meet the return-to-office policy.
Insider obtained leaked internal documents revealing that those who fail to comply will have their promotions blocked unless they secure VP approval.
The internal announcement said: “Managers own the promotion process, which means it is their responsibility to support your growth through regular conversations and stretch assignments, and to complete all required inputs for a promotion.”
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This comes after the e-commerce giant’s recent announcement telling staff they need to attend the office at least three times a week.
“If your role is expected to work from the office 3+ days a week and you are not in compliance, your manager will be made aware and VP approval will be required.”
According to the leaked information, an employee’s failure to meet office attendance requirements led to Amazon blocking their proposed promotion.
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The company sent a separate email and Slack message sent to a manager about an employee’s attendance record, seen by Insider.
It says Amazon blocked the employee’s proposed promotion as they didn’t meet the office attendance requirements.
The email read: “If you do not plan to promote the builder, ‘Reject’ the Approval and update the builder’s Proposed Promotion Quarter (PPQ).”
Amazon uses the term “builder” to refer to engineering employees.
An Amazon spokesperson said the firm considers return-to-office policy compliance as one of several factors in promotions.
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Employees fighting office return
Amazon’s return-to-office process has met with resistance from employees since its announcement in February.
Over 30,000 employees signed an internal petition against it.
Last month, Amazon granted managers the authority to fire non-compliant employees.Â
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The promotion guidelines underscore the importance of an employee’s role having the capacity for growth and consistently demonstrating next-level performance for successful promotion.
The company has faced criticism for requiring remote employees to relocate near office hubs or face a “voluntary resignation” package.
Employees also slammed the company for allowing managers to terminate non-compliant employees.
