Amazon employees are revolting against CEO Andy Jassy’s newly announced return-to-office (RTO) mandate, requiring all staff to work in-office five days a week starting January. Workers are voicing their frustrations on social media and internal channels, with some planning to quit and others actively searching for more flexible jobs.

Key Points:

  • Backlash from Employees: Amazon workers are venting on Slack and LinkedIn, with some openly searching for new jobs and criticizing the return-to-office policy as “going backwards” from pre-COVID norms.
  • Quitting in Droves: Some employees are already updating their LinkedIn status to #opentowork, seeking remote opportunities, while others suggest they’d rather be laid off than comply with the new rule.
  • Layoffs in Disguise?: Critics accuse Amazon of using the stricter office mandate to reduce its workforce without formal layoffs, citing the potential for mass resignations as a cost-saving tactic.
  • Jassy’s Rationale: In his memo, Jassy insists that in-office work fosters better collaboration and learning, but he acknowledges that employees will need time to adjust to the new five-day mandate.

With Amazon’s return-to-office policy set to take effect in January, tensions are rising as employees push back, threatening to leave in search of more flexible work arrangements. The controversy raises questions about the future of Amazon’s workforce and how it will adapt to these changes.