SINGAPORE: Amazon recently announced an end to the hybrid scheme it implemented for its workers across the globe during the pandemic. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced on Monday (Sept 16) that by Jan 2, 2025, its employees will be required to return onsite five days a week.

Hybrid work arrangements could become a differentiating factor for smaller tech firms in attracting talent, industry observers say.

Amazon's move marks one of the strictest return-to-office polices among major tech firms, Financial Times reported. Only 3 per cent of tech companies with more than 25,000 employees have returned to a five-day work-week in the office, according to an analysis of 2,670 companies by software firm Flex Index.

Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary has criticised Amazon’s decision to order staff back into the office five days per week. The Cabinet minister defended employers who allowed people to work from home,

Mr McBride, who worked at Amazon for a year until June 2023, shared his thoughts on CEO Andy Jassy's announcement.