- Amazon is asking thousands of employees to relocate to offices in cities like Seattle and Virginia to bring teams together.
- The company is giving workers strict timelines to move, with some having 90 days or less and no severance if they refuse.
- CEO Andy Jassy said AI will reduce the need for some roles by automating routine tasks, though new technical jobs will emerge.
- Despite worker pushback, Amazon is expanding its office space, including a larger lease in Miami.
Amazon Pushes Office-First Strategy
According to Bisnow, Amazon is making a strong return-to-office push. The Amazon relocations involve thousands of workers being asked to move to specific locations where their teams are based. This follows a January policy that required employees to work from the office five days a week. Many of these workers had been hired for remote roles during the pandemic.
The company is handling these moves in one-on-one meetings and team town halls. Some employees have been told they must move within three months or leave, with no severance pay offered. Amazon says the timeline depends on the role and business needs.
AI Will Reshape the Workforce
Earlier this week, CEO Andy Jassy told staff that AI will change the way work is done. He said the company will need fewer people for repetitive tasks. At the same time, new jobs will open up that require more advanced skills.
Get Smarter about what matters in CRE
Stay ahead of trends in commercial real estate with CRE Daily – the free newsletter delivering everything you need to start your day in just 5-minutes
Amazon Expands in Key Markets
While some workers are frustrated, the Amazon relocations come as the company continues to grow its office space. The company added another 26,000 SF to a Miami lease earlier this year. This suggests that Amazon plans to keep a strong office presence in major US cities.
Why It Matters
Amazon’s push to relocate employees shows how large companies are rethinking work in the age of AI. The shift may lead to job losses, but it also shows a growing demand for in-person collaboration and AI-ready talent.
