Amazon employees who have been working remotely are choosing to quit rather than adhere to the company’s requirement to relocate to its central hubs.

In a move announced in July, the e-commerce giant instructed certain remote workers to return to offices located in major hubs such as New York City, Seattle, Austin, Texas, or Arlington, Virginia.

Those unwilling to move were given the option to apply for different positions within the company or resign. Employees affected by this directive have until the first half of 2024 to complete their relocation, even if they reside in another state. However, some workers were reportedly given as little as 30 to 60 days to make their decision.

One Amazon employee based in Texas chose to leave the company and secure a different job rather than uproot their life for the move to a central hub. Concerns about future job security and the higher cost of living in major cities were cited as reasons for this decision.

Quitting for family

Three other Amazon employees, located in Colorado, Utah, and California, decided to quit after being instructed to relocate to Seattle. They preferred quitting over disrupting their family lives or incurring the financial burdens of relocation. These employees also noted that the company’s demand seemed unnecessary, as they were already working in-person at local Amazon offices three days a week.

These resignations come amidst a broader trend of tech companies dealing with a slowdown, including layoffs and hiring freezes. Amazon, for instance, has laid off around 27,000 employees since the previous fall, including a wave of 9,000 announced in March, although it still maintains approximately 350,000 corporate employees.

Amazon spokesperson Rob Munoz stated that the relocation requirement affects only a small portion of the company’s workforce, with each team deciding on the hub that best suits their needs. The company is offering benefits to employees who choose to relocate.

Amazon’s recent email warning to employees about office attendance requirements has also caused frustration among workers. Some employees received these messages in error, leading to confusion and resentment.

While some employees are quitting rather than complying with the relocation demand, other major companies, like Meta, have also been pushing their employees to return to the office, raising questions about the future of remote work in the tech industry.