Managers and HR unite to enforce in-person work requirements, as Amazon warns of promotion hurdles for those not adhering to the return-to-office mandate.
TWC Magazine – In a bold move, Amazon is intensifying its push for corporate employees to return to the office by attaching a crucial consequence: promotion eligibility. The company’s internal website recently revealed that non-compliance with the return-to-office mandate, demanding employees be in the office at least three days a week, may hinder career advancement.
The internal post underscores the pivotal role managers play in the promotion process. It emphasizes the responsibility of managers to foster employee growth through regular discussions and challenging assignments. Furthermore, the post explicitly states, “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.”
Another post on Amazon’s internal career platform reinforces the stringent stance, aligning with the company’s broader promotion strategy. “By Amazon’s overall approach to promotions, employees are expected to work from their office 3+ days/week if that is the requirement of their role,” the post states. It reveals that managers are collaborating with Amazon’s human resources group to “monitor adherence” to the in-person work requirement, asserting that this monitoring will persist in evaluating promotion readiness.
Business Insider initially reported this development, and Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser confirmed the announcement in an email to CNBC. Glasser highlighted the multifaceted nature of promotion considerations, stating, “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.” He emphasized that, like any company, Amazon expects employees under consideration for promotion to comply with company guidelines and policies.
Amazon’s strategic approach to linking promotion prospects with return-to-office compliance underscores the company’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and in-person work culture. As the business landscape continues to evolve, Amazon’s decision sets a precedent for corporations navigating the delicate balance between remote work flexibility and the desire for a more traditional office presence.