Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN) has recently implemented a new return-to-office mandate for its corporate staff, requiring them to work in the office five days a week starting in January. However, its subsidiary, One Medical, has been given a different directive.
One Medical informed its employees in September that they would need to start working from the office three times a week beginning in October. This new policy allows over a year for employees to adjust and potentially relocate. This shift is less stringent than Amazon’s policy, but still faces resistance from employees.
While the new policy at One Medical provides a more flexible arrangement, it still generates uncertainty and frustration among its employees. Many of One Medical’s employees have been working remotely full-time since Amazon acquired the company last year. CEO Trent Green had even promoted remote work as a major benefit during layoffs earlier this year.
Amazon has been closely integrating with One Medical, implementing its HR and benefits policies and closely monitoring financial performance to control losses. Some employees have expressed frustration with One Medical’s slower adaptation to Amazon’s fast-paced work environment and rigid culture. On the other hand, One Medical staff feel that Amazon is disrupting a previously well-performing and fast-growing business.
The new RTO mandates at Amazon and One Medical reflect a broader trend of companies re-evaluating remote work policies. In September, Amazon announced plans to cut management layers and end work-from-home arrangements to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the need for employees to return to the office to address inefficiencies and improve productivity.
This shift is part of a larger debate about the future of work. Earlier this year, BlackRock’s Rick Rieder acknowledged that remote work has boosted labor market participation and economic growth, particularly among prime-age female workers. However, not everyone agrees. NYU Stern School of Business Professor Suzy Welch warned that a remote work lifestyle might hinder career advancement for younger generations, potentially limiting their chances of reaching executive positions.
Other companies are also taking a hard stance on RTO. In January, Bank of America warned employees of potential disciplinary action if they failed to comply with office attendance policies, highlighting the growing tension between corporate mandates and employee preferences.
The new return-to-office mandates from Amazon and One Medical underscore the evolving nature of work and the ongoing debate about the best ways to organize and manage a workforce. While some companies push for a full return to the office, others adopt a more flexible approach. It remains to be seen how this evolving landscape will shape the future of work.
