Amazon Orders 5-Day Office Return

January 6, 2025

Written by Natasha Hawker
Founder and Managing Director

Natasha is a leading HR expert, entrepreneur, author and sought-after media commentator for outlets such as Sunrise (Channel 7), ABC Radio and The Australian Financial Review. Natasha co-founded Employee Matters in 2011 to help Australian businesses achieve success through their people.

During an interview with Monique Wright on Channel 7's Sunrise, Natasha Hawker discussed Amazon’s mandate requiring employees to return to the office five days a week from 2 January 2025. While global giants like Amazon and Dell push for office returns, many Australian companies recognise the benefits of hybrid work.

Natasha warned that forcing employees back could lead to dissatisfaction, with a survey showing 41% would reluctantly return, 26% would seek hybrid roles, and 6% would resign. “That sounds like a mutiny,” she noted.

She highlighted the risks of losing talent and damaging workplace culture, especially for employees with families or caring responsibilities. “Allowing remote work during COVID makes it hard to put the genie back in the bottle,” Natasha explained.

With 36% of Australians still working from home, Natasha urged businesses to adopt hybrid models to retain talent and foster innovation while maintaining strong workplace culture.