Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) has updated its return-to-office policy, allowing managers to terminate employees who don't adhere to the company's thrice-a-week office attendance requirement,
The new guidelines, shared internally this week, instruct managers to first privately discuss non-compliance with the affected employees. If non-compliance persists, managers are to document the conversation via email and, if necessary, proceed with disciplinary actions, including termination, reported Insider.
"If the employee does not demonstrate immediate and sustained attendance after the first conversation, managers should then conduct a follow-up discussion... This conversation will 1) reinforce that return to office 3+ days a week is a requirement of their job, and 2) explain that continued non-compliance without a legitimate reason may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your employment," the guidelines state.
This move is Amazon's most stringent step regarding its return-to-office policy. Earlier this year, over 30,000 employees opposed the policy, with many walking out. Amazon's CEO, Andy Jassy, had previously warned employees against resisting the current mandate.
In response to Insider, Amazon's spokesperson, Rob Munoz, mentioned the company's positive experience with more employees in the office and stated that exceptions would be considered on a "case-by-case basis."