Amazon: The end for the home office and fewer managers
Amazon boss Andy Jassy has told employees: The days of working from home are over. There will also be fewer managers.
(Image: Michael Vi/Shutterstock.com)
There would be a few changes to strengthen the culture and teams – A message from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to employees begins with these words. Specifically, it is about the obligation to return to the office and no longer be able to work from home. At the same time, there will be fewer managers – In future, each team will have to meet a certain percentage that represents a balance between employees and managers. Jassy is so concerned about the speed and processes in the company that he has set up an extra mailbox where employees can report examples of unnecessary bureaucracy and lengthy processes.
Business is going well, Jassy praises in detail in the message, which he has also published on Amazon's corporate website. Nevertheless, the boss writes that the company wants to return to its pre-coronavirus way of working. "Looking back over the last five years, we still believe that the benefits of working together in the office are significant." It is easier to learn, practise and strengthen the shared culture, as well as to brainstorm and collaborate. Office work is more effective.
Five days in the office – with exceptions
Amazon had only recently started to monitor employee attendance. There was apparently a fear that colleagues would only show up at the office for a short time and then go home again immediately. After the pandemic, Amazon had already introduced a three-day office obligation. Now it is to be five days a week again. Although there are exceptions: For example, you could stay at home if your own children are ill or there are emergencies at home. It is also possible to complete tasks in the home office if they require more isolated, concentrated work. This was already the case before coronavirus. There are also exceptions, which are agreed with the respective department heads.
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In order to be able to bring all employees back at all, there will have to be a new seating arrangement at some locations. Amazon had opted for shared desks. This remains the case in Europe. The new five-day rule will apply from January 2025.
It is not clear what will happen to the managers who are to be relieved of their duties. "Having fewer managers will remove layers and make the organization even flatter." In principle, this should also enable faster decisions and give employees a feeling of greater personal responsibility.
(emw)
