In a surprising move, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced a change in the company's remote work policy, requiring corporate staff to work out of the office five days a week. This decision marks a significant shift from Amazon's previous requirement of at least three days in the office. Jassy outlined the new policy in a memo on Monday, giving employees until January 2, 2025, to comply.

The company's CEO emphasized that Amazon's expectation is for employees to be in the office "outside of extenuating circumstances." Exceptions to this policy will need to be approved by the organization's S-team leader, a close-knit group of executives that report directly to Jassy. This new stance on remote work signifies a departure from the pre-pandemic work structure, where working remotely two days a week was not a given.

Furthermore, Jassy revealed plans to streamline Amazon's corporate structure by reducing the number of managers within each organization. The goal is to "remove layers and flatten organizations" by increasing the ratio of individual contributors to managers by at least 15% by the end of the first quarter of 2025. Individual contributors, typically employees who do not manage others, will be granted greater ownership and decision-making authority.

These changes come as Amazon aims to reinforce its unique corporate culture and ensure agility within the company. Jassy expressed the desire for Amazon to operate like the "world's largest startup," characterized by a passion for constant innovation, a sense of urgency, fast decision-making, and a strong commitment to collaboration. To support this, the CEO unveiled a dedicated email alias called the "Bureaucracy Mailbox," where employees can voice concerns about unnecessary processes or excessive rules within the company.

While Amazon experienced significant growth during the pandemic, the company has been implementing cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, under Jassy's leadership. The reorganization of the corporate structure and the new in-office policy aim to align Amazon's operations with its long-term goals and ensure continuous customer-focused innovation.

The implementation of a stricter in-office policy and the flattening of Amazon's corporate structure signify a bold move by CEO Andy Jassy. While some employees may need to adjust their personal arrangements, the changes are driven by the company's commitment to preserving its unique culture and maintaining its position as a leading innovator in the industry.