During the pandemic, many companies were forced to adopt more flexible work models, with remote work becoming the norm. Now, a shift in thinking is emerging – even among tech giants, as seen with Amazon. This could have far-reaching consequences.

Just two years ago, Amazon′s CEO Andy Jassy mandated a return to at least three office days per week. However, the tech giant’s CEO has since moved on from that position.

Starting next year, Amazon’s more than 300,000 employees will return to a five-day workweek. Jassy remarked that, before the pandemic, it was by no means standard practice to work remotely for multiple days per week. He emphasized the significant benefits of working together in an office environment. No discussion, no exceptions.

Hybride Work Models

Many leaders, including Jassy, who has been with Amazon since 1997 and took on the CEO role in 2021, are pushing for a full return to the office. However, despite the talk, few companies have implemented such measures. According to Flex Index, only around 3% of tech firms with over 25,000 employees have returned to a five-day office workweek. Nearly three-quarters of companies operate with a hybrid model.

Several major corporations, including Apple, Meta, and Microsoft, have so far agreed on a hybrid model. However, even this approach has faced resistance from employees, with complaints voiced both internally and online. In 2020, Mark Zuckerberg brought nearly all 70,000 Meta employees back to the office for three days a week. Apple followed suit in 2022, gradually increasing the number of required office days from one to three between March and August.

A Similar Situation in Switzerland

The Swiss financial industry faces similar challenges. Swiss banks are also taking a restrictive approach to remote work. Some companies, particularly wealth managers, are not hiring employees unless they are available to work in the office full-time.

At Julius Baer Private Bank, a «two-day rule» similar to Amazon’s is currently in place. UBS employees are also working within a hybrid model.

Caution Advised

While T-Mobile’s CEO, Mike Sievert encourages companies to bring their employees fully back to the office, many firms are exercising caution. They view hybrid work as an advantage, particularly for employees with diverse backgrounds, for whom flexibility is essential.

According to research from the University of Pennsylvania, remote work systems attract 15 percent more female applicants and 33 percent more underrepresented minority candidates in the industry. Prithwiraj Choudhury, a professor at Harvard Business School, warns that enforcing restrictive work policies could lead to a loss of top talent.

Hybrid Work is Equally Productive

Research from Stanford Business School has found that hybrid work is just as productive as fully in-person work.

Nicholas Bloom, an economics professor at Stanford, acknowledges that Amazon’s shift could be supported by research showing that employees are more creative and innovative during in-person meetings. However, he notes that this doesn’t necessarily mean people need to be in the office every day.

A Broader Debate

One thing is clear: Amazon’s decision has sparked discussions at other companies.

If Amazon’s stance takes hold, it could quickly spread across industries.