Amazon recently implemented a new policy that could impact employees' chances of getting promoted. According to internal documents obtained by Insider and CNBC, employees who are being considered for promotions must be in the office at least three times per week, in compliance with the company's return-to-office mandate. This policy shift now requires vice president approval, rather than just manager approval, for promoting employees who do not comply with the office attendance requirement.
To evaluate an employee's "promotion readiness," Amazon managers and the human resources team are monitoring compliance with the return-to-office mandate. Promotions are an important part of supporting employees' growth and development, and Amazon expects employees being considered for promotion to adhere to company guidelines and policies, just like any other company.
However, Amazon does have a process in place for employees to request exceptions to work remotely. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, similar to how the company handled remote work requests before the pandemic. Promotions for employees who do not regularly work in the office will require additional leadership approval.
The decision to implement this return-to-office policy was first announced by CEO Andy Jassy in February. The company reviewed various work arrangements used during the pandemic and concluded that employees should return to the office at least three days per week. Jassy acknowledged that there would be exceptions to this requirement, as there were before the pandemic, but emphasized that such exceptions would be rare.
The return-to-office requirement became effective on May 1. However, it faced resistance from some employees, leading to protests and over 30,000 employees signing an internal petition that was ultimately rejected by management. Despite the pushback, Amazon remains firm on its return-to-office mandate.
It's important for Amazon employees to understand the implications of this policy if they have aspirations for promotion. Compliance with the return-to-office mandate is now a crucial factor in the promotion process, and employees should be prepared to adjust their work arrangements accordingly. As Amazon continues to monitor and evaluate promotion readiness, employees must prioritize adherence to company guidelines and policies to increase their chances of advancement.
In conclusion, Amazon's recent policy shift requiring employees to be in the office at least three times per week for promotions highlights the company's emphasis on in-person work. This move has sparked controversy among employees, but Amazon remains steadfast in its decision. Employees must navigate this new requirement if they want to advance their careers within the company.