Amazon CEO Andy Jassy's 5 days a week office return policy sparks controversy and employee backlash

Andy Jassy , Amazon 's CEO, recently announced that employees must return to the office five days a week, sparking controversy online. Entrepreneurs generally welcomed the decision, hoping other companies might follow. However, many employees expressed frustration, highlighting issues like long commutes, higher housing costs near offices, and diminished work-life balance. Jassy argued that in-office work fosters better collaboration and learning, as shown by the previous 15 months of three-day office weeks. Critics, however, view the policy as a "stealth layoff," believing it could drive employees to seek jobs with more flexibility.


The recent announcement by Andy Jassy has sparked a flurry of responses on social media:













Benefits of returning to the office according to Jassy


Jassy’s memo emphasised that returning to the office makes it easier for employees to collaborate, brainstorm, and strengthen company culture. According to him, the transition to a hybrid model has already improved team cohesion, learning, and innovation.



Employee backlash and public reaction


The backlash on social media, especially on platforms like X, reflects growing dissatisfaction among professionals who fear that rigid office work policies reduce personal flexibility. Many also argue that this could push employees to look for companies offering remote or hybrid working models. Some believe this is a tactic by Amazon to reduce its workforce indirectly by encouraging employees unhappy with the decision to leave voluntarily, hence the term "stealth layoff."












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