Amazon and Remote Work: Amazon implemented a return-to-office policy, requiring employees to be in the office a certain number of days per week. This caused resistance among many employees, who preferred the flexibility of remote work.
- Amazon employees found a creative way to bypass the company’s return-to-office policy. This tactic is called “coffee badging.”
- It involves employees swiping into the office, grabbing a coffee, and then leaving shortly after. This fulfills the basic requirement of being in the office but allows them to work remotely for most of the day.
Amazon’s Response
- To address coffee badging, Amazon has now implemented a minimum stay requirement.
- This varies depending on the team. For some, it’s two hours per visit, while others need to stay for at least six hours.
- The company is also monitoring the amount of time employees spend in the office.
- Employees not meeting the minimum time may be spoken to directly by managers.
Why are Employees Coffee Badging?
- Many Amazon employees oppose the return-to-office policy. Around 30,000 signed a petition against it.
- Some employees prefer the flexibility and work-life balance offered by remote work.
Is Coffee Badging Common?
- A survey suggests that coffee badging is not unique to Amazon.
- 58% of hybrid workers admitted to doing it in a 2023 survey.
The Future of Work
- While some companies like Amazon are taking a stricter stance on remote work, others are adopting a more flexible approach.
- The ideal work model likely depends on the specific company and its industry.
Also Read: The Rise of Work-Life Balance: Impact on Company Culture & Productivity
