Thousands may be forced to move or resign as company tightens operations
Amazon has begun quietly requiring corporate employees to relocate closer to their managers and teams, according to sources familiar with the matter. The move affects thousands of staff across multiple departments and adds to growing concerns among employees about job security and the company’s long-term workforce plans.
Workers have been instructed—often during individual meetings or team town halls—to relocate to key hubs such as Seattle, Arlington, and Washington DC. The new policy may involve cross-country moves, particularly difficult for mid-career professionals with families or partners tied to local employment.
Relocation or resignation: a difficult choice
Employees affected by the mandate report being given 30 days to decide whether to move and another 60 days to either resign or start the relocation process. According to internal communications reviewed by Bloomberg, those who opt to resign will not receive severance. This has led many to suspect the policy is a cost-saving strategy aimed at reducing headcount without formal layoffs.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that some teams have been organizing geographically over the past year but emphasized that no company-wide mandate has been issued. “There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach,” the spokesperson said, adding that relocation support will be offered case-by-case.
Workforce cuts and AI transformation looming
The relocation mandate comes at a time of heightened anxiety within Amazon. CEO Andy Jassy recently warned that advancements in artificial intelligence will lead to workforce reductions, as certain functions become automated. The company has already undergone multiple rounds of job cuts since 2022, including the largest in its history with 27,000 roles eliminated.
Although Jassy’s previous return-to-office order required employees to work on-site five days a week, it did not specify office locations. Many staff had been working remotely or at satellite locations in cities such as New York, Austin, and Los Angeles.
Internal unrest and retention risks
The relocation policy has sparked unrest on Amazon’s internal Slack channels, where employees are sharing details and expressing frustration. Some view the mandate as a backdoor layoff tactic intended to avoid severance obligations. Others worry that forced moves could prompt key talent to resign, particularly those who were hired remotely during the pandemic and had no plans to relocate.
With AI-driven transformation on the horizon and renewed focus on operational efficiency, Amazon’s latest move suggests deeper structural changes may be underway—raising fresh questions about the future of corporate employment in the tech sector.
