Why Amazon Forcing Employees Back to the Office is a Short-Sighted Strategy

We’re often baffled when large, tech-enabled companies like Amazon and Zoom insist on bringing employees back to the office. The justification is usually around "maintaining company culture," but we’ve yet to see solid evidence that this shift results in a positive change to company culture. Instead, it seems more like a convenient way to reduce headcount without making headlines about layoffs...

Here’s why this approach feels off: in today’s competitive job market, the best talent isn’t swayed by a big name alone. Just working for a tech giant like Amazon or Zoom isn’t enough to attract or retain top performers, particularly given the history of how these companies have treated employees over the years. Forcing office attendance as a blanket policy not only limits access to a diverse talent pool but also risks disengaging current employees.

The Missed Opportunity

When companies insist on an office-based presence, they immediately restrict themselves to a smaller pool of talent—those who can physically work from the office location. But in doing so, they risk missing out on top-tier remote workers who could have a significant positive impact on their business.

What’s more, the employees who do return might do so reluctantly. Many will see the return to office mandate as a perk being taken away—a move that feels more about filling empty office space or asserting control rather than offering flexibility or focusing on employee well-being. This could result in a workforce that’s demotivated and frustrated, showing up physically but checking out mentally.

Flexibility is the Future

The truth is, there’s a growing demand for flexible work arrangements. Talented professionals today expect a say in how and where they work. Companies that ignore this trend may soon find themselves struggling to attract or retain the best talent. In fact, insisting on office presence could even lead to higher turnover, as employees opt for businesses that offer the flexibility they’ve become accustomed to.

We’ve embraced remote work with our team, and the idea of telling them to suddenly return to the office wouldn’t be met with enthusiasm. If anything, most of them would likely tell us where to go! We trust our team to deliver results no matter where they are, and in return, they remain motivated and productive. For us, it’s about trust, flexibility, and understanding that happy employees are engaged employees.

A Long-Term Perspective

The workplace has evolved, and the companies that adapt to these changes will be the ones who come out on top. Insisting on rigid office attendance may work in the short term, but in the long run, it’s a losing strategy. If you want to attract and retain top talent, give them the flexibility they desire and deserve. Otherwise, good luck competing in the talent market with a workforce that feels controlled, not valued.

ALS