Amazon Web Services Mandates Return to Office

Amazon has mandated a full return to office for all employees starting January 2, 2025, requiring them to work in-person five days a week, a significant shift from the previous three-day requirement. AWS CEO Matt Garman defended the policy, emphasizing that in-person collaboration is essential for fostering innovation and operational success, while also acknowledging that this arrangement may not suit everyone. He stated, 'If it's not for you, then that's okay — you can go and find another company if you want,' highlighting the company's uncompromising stance on office attendance. The decision has sparked mixed reactions among employees, with some advocating for continued remote work, citing productivity and work-life balance, while others support the return to in-office work for its collaborative benefits. Approximately 37,000 employees have joined an internal Slack channel to express their opposition to the mandate. Critics argue that the rigid policy is unnecessary given the success of remote work during the pandemic, raising concerns about its impact on families and caregivers.