Amazon Mandates Corporate Relocations Amid Workforce Uncertainty

Amazon is instructing thousands of corporate employees to relocate to major hubs such as Seattle, Arlington, and Washington, D.C., as part of a broader effort to consolidate teams. The directive, delivered through one-on-one conversations and internal town halls, has sparked concerns among workers facing tight deadlines—some as short as 30 days to decide, followed by 60 days to execute the MOVE or resign without severance.

The policy reflects Amazon's push for in-person collaboration, though it coincides with broader workforce instability. CEO Andy Jassy's earlier return-to-office mandate and ongoing cost-cutting measures underscore the tension between operational efficiency and employee retention. A spokesperson framed the relocations as situational and supportive, but the lack of a public statement leaves room for speculation about the scale and rationale behind the move.