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The work-from-home revolution during the pandemic seemed like the future of work, but for many, that era of flexibility is coming to an end.
The giant Amazon has decided to end the remote model for its 350 thousand employees, forcing them to return to the offices.
This measure could bring profound changes, not only for workers, but also for the real estate market, transportation and quality of life.
According to an internal statement released by Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, workers are expected to return to 100% in-person work starting January 2.
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This new policy completely ends the possibility of working remotely, a reality adopted on a large scale since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision, although controversial, reflects a trend observed in large global corporations. “We have noticed that face-to-face work brings significant advantages.
Interactions are more fluid, collaboration is facilitated, and the organizational culture is strengthened,” Jassy said in his memo.
According to him, returning to the office is essential to maintain productivity and innovation, factors that he believes are harmed by remote work.
Impact on Brazil
In Brazil, many technology companies and large corporations have adopted hybrid work models.
However, what we are seeing now is a movement similar to that of Amazon, where many companies are reviewing their home office policies. However, for the Brazilian market, the scenario is a little different.
While the end of home office may seem like bad news, especially for workers who value flexibility, on the other hand, it could stimulate sectors such as transportation and services in large cities, which suffered a significant drop in demand during the pandemic.
However, the question remains: will Brazilian companies follow the same radical path as Amazon or will they opt for more flexible models, such as the hybrid regime?
Back to basics: how home office was discarded
When the pandemic forced the world to adapt to remote work, many companies, including Amazon, saw a viable solution in home office.
Employees began working from home, and the model seemed to be a success. But this phase, as Jassy revealed, was temporary.
In February 2023, Amazon had already signaled a partial return to offices, with a policy that required at least three days of physical presence at the company's facilities.
Still, the CEO highlighted that, after internal studies, it became clear that face-to-face collaboration is much more efficient.
“Working side by side increases the chances of innovation and accelerates learning among employees,” said Jassy, reinforcing that the company will not go back on its decision.
How does this change affect the future of work?
For Amazon's global workforce, which by 2023 included between 300 and 350 corporate employees, this decision could be seen as a setback.
Many employees had already adjusted their routines to remote work, enjoying more time with family and a better work-life balance.
However, what few people know is that office workers represent only a small fraction of the company's total workforce, which totals 1,5 million people.
Most of them work in warehouses and distribution, jobs that have always required physical presence. For these employees, Amazon’s new policy does not represent a change, but rather the continuation of a practice that has never been interrupted.
The reality of companies in Brazil
The global trend of returning to the office is also being observed in Brazil. Many companies, especially in the technology and services sector, are evaluating whether to maintain home office or follow the example of large corporations such as Amazon.
Despite resistance from some employees, who consider working from home to be more advantageous, the argument that physical presence improves productivity has gained strength.
With the Brazilian market undergoing transformation, will companies here be able to adopt the same firm stance as Amazon? Brazil, with its logistical, social and economic challenges, may have a different response to a full return to the office.
Furthermore, transport infrastructure and the cost of living in large cities make the debate about returning to in-person learning even more complex.
Milestone
Amazon's decision to end remote working is a major milestone in the recent history of global work.
If this change becomes a trend, many companies around the world — including in Brazil — will need to adapt to this new reality.
It remains to be seen whether this measure will bring the expected productivity gains or whether it will cause a wave of dissatisfaction among workers.
Are you in favor of ending home office or do you believe that the opportunity to work from home or any other location should be maintained in the job market? Leave your opinion in the comments!
