“We’ve decided that we’re going to return to being in the office the way we were before the onset of COVID. When we look back over the last five years, we continue to believe that the advantages of being together in the office are significant,” said CEO Andy Jassy in a memo to employees.

Although Amazon is mandating the full-time office return, employees can request exceptions due to “extenuating circumstances.” These exceptions will need approval from senior leadership, Jassy noted. However, he reiterated that the company’s experience over the past 15 months of a hybrid office environment has reinforced its belief in the benefits of regular in-person collaboration.

Jassy also revealed that as part of an internal restructuring, Amazon will reduce managerial roles and increase individual contributor positions to streamline operations.

UK Government's Flexible Working Focus

Amazon’s stance contrasts sharply with the approach being taken by the UK government. The upcoming Employment Rights Bill, expected to be published next month, promises to make flexible working a default right from day one of employment. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has spoken out against the "culture of presenteeism" and highlighted the "real economic benefits" of remote working.

Reynolds noted that flexible working arrangements allow businesses to access a wider pool of talent, striking a balance between the needs of employers and employees. This is in line with the government’s aim to encourage modern working practices that benefit both workers and businesses.

Return-to-Office Push Faces Backlash

The decision by Amazon to enforce full-time office attendance comes amidst broader debates about remote and hybrid working models. Last year, employees at Amazon’s Seattle headquarters staged a walkout, protesting against layoffs, climate policies, and the previous three-day office mandate.

Jassy’s memo acknowledged the shift back to pre-pandemic working patterns: “Before the pandemic, it was not a given that folks could work remotely two days a week, and that will also be true moving forward.”

Amazon also plans to reintroduce assigned desk arrangements in certain office locations, including its US headquarters in Puget Sound and Arlington.

Balancing Productivity and Flexibility

As companies across the globe grapple with post-pandemic working models, Amazon's move highlights the tension between traditional office-based work and the growing demand for flexible arrangements. While the UK government pushes for more flexible working rights, Amazon’s decision could signal a return to more conventional business practices for some major corporations.

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