Amazon Return to Office 5 Days a Week in 2025: What Canadian Employees Need to Know

Amazon has officially ended its hybrid work era. As of January 2, 2025, corporate employees are now required to work in the office five days a week.

The move marks a major shift for one of the world’s biggest tech companies — and it’s sparking debate among workers across Canada and beyond.

Amazon’s 2025 Return-to-Office Policy

In a memo to staff, CEO Andy Jassy confirmed that the five-day office mandate now applies to most corporate teams. Only employees with an approved remote work exception are exempt.

“We’ve observed that it’s easier for our teammates to learn, collaborate, and build stronger connections when we’re together in person,” said Jassy.

The decision follows 15 months of a hybrid model requiring employees to work in-office at least three days per week. Amazon now joins major corporations like Dell and JPMorgan that have also returned to full-time office work.

A recent Blink Workplace Insights survey reveals that many Amazon employees remain frustrated, with internal surveys showing strong opposition to the policy change.

SEE ALSO
• Dell to ‘retire’ hybrid work in March 2025, resume 5 days a week in office
• JPMorgan return-to-office mandate: 5 days a week in March 2025
• Home Depot mandating 8-hour retail shifts for corporate staff
• Return-to-office mandates are a ‘power grab’, study says

Can Amazon Require Canadian Employees to Return to the Office?

If your employment contract states that your job is based in an office, then yes — Amazon (or any employer) can legally require you to return.

However, if you were hired as a remote employee, or you have been working remotely for a long period of time, your employer can’t force you to suddenly switch to in-office work without your agreement. Doing so could be considered a significant change to your employment, and may amount to a constructive dismissal.

What If You Were Hired as a Remote Worker?

If your job offer clearly indicated that your position was remote, Amazon can’t unilaterally change that agreement.

Some employers are now asking remote staff to sign new contracts requiring them to work from an office. You should never sign a new agreement without legal advice — these contracts often contain terms that limit your rights if you’re terminated.

Before agreeing to anything, speak to an employment lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

🖥️ Watch: Employment lawyer Lior Samfiru explains what to look for before signing a new contract.

Can You Be Fired For Refusing to Return to the Office?

Yes — in Canada, your employer can terminate your employment without cause for nearly any reason, as long as:

• You receive full severance pay in Canada
• The termination is not discriminatory (for example, based on age, disability, or family status)

If you’re let go after refusing to return, and your severance offer seems low, you may have been wrongfully dismissed. Depending on your circumstances, you could be entitled to up to 24 months’ pay.

What If You Can’t Return Because of a Disability or Medical Reason?

Under Canadian law, employers have a duty to accommodate workers who can’t perform their duties in the office due to disability, medical, or family-related reasons.

This could include:

• Continuing remote work arrangements
• Modifying job duties
• Adjusting schedules

If Amazon refuses to accommodate you, it could be a human rights violation and may justify a constructive dismissal claim.

The Bigger Picture: Return-to-Office Trends in 2025

Amazon’s decision reflects a growing trend among large employers returning to in-person work. Executives argue that office presence improves collaboration, while employees stress the importance of flexibility and work-life balance.

Across Ontario, Alberta, and BC, employees returning to the office still maintain the same legal rights — whether hybrid or full-time in person.

If your employer is changing your work location, threatening your job, or asking you to sign a new agreement, get legal advice before making any decisions.

Key Takeaway for Amazon Employees

As of January 2, 2025, Amazon employees are now expected to work in the office five days a week — unless they have an approved exemption.

If you were hired remotely or your employer has changed the terms of your job, you may have legal options. Always seek legal advice before agreeing to new terms or resigning.

Need Legal Advice About Returning to the Office?

If you work for Amazon or another company enforcing strict office mandates, contact Samfiru Tumarkin LLP. Our employment lawyers help non-unionized employees in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia understand their rights and secure fair compensation.

Our team has:

• 👥 Successfully represented 50,000+ Canadians
• 💰 Secured millions in severance payouts
• ⚖️ Settled over 99% of cases out of court
• 📱 Free Termination Consultations — in some, but not all, cases
• ⭐ Earned 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews
• 🏆 Named on of Canada’s Best Law Firms

Call 1-855-821-5900 or request a consultation online.

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided as general information about the rights of non-unionized employees in Canada. It is not specific to any one company and should not be read as suggesting any improper conduct on the part of any specific employer, or a relationship between Samfiru Tumarkin LLP and a specific employer.