Amazon’s recent decision to require corporate employees to return to the office five days a week is generating significant controversy. In a memo to employees, CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the benefits of in-person work, such as increased collaboration, innovation, and cultural connection.

Yet, this stance flies in the face of a growing body of research that demonstrates the advantages of hybrid work models—not full-time office work—for productivity, employee performance, and retention. Moreover, many organizations are tired of fighting return-to-office battles and have moved on to more important priorities, allowing their employees more flexibility. Thus, Amazon’s top-down policy stands out as a regressive approach likely to backfire.

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