Nasima Akhter, the owner of Spice on Curve, a food truck located near Amazon’s headquarters in Seattle’s South Lake Union neighborhood, was preparing for the lunchtime rush of Amazon employees as the company implemented a new policy requiring employees to work five days a week in the office. Akhter, who had been struggling to keep her business afloat during the pandemic and Amazon’s changing policies, was cautiously optimistic about the increased foot traffic resulting from the return-to-office mandate.
Although Amazon’s return-to-office mandate was in effect, the South Lake Union and Denny Triangle areas were still relatively quiet, with most people expecting a busier scene on Monday. Akhter, who had been running her food truck alone since her husband’s passing due to cancer, expressed gratitude for managing to keep her business going. The return of Amazon employees to the office was expected to benefit many small businesses in the neighborhood, including food trucks, restaurants, and other establishments.
During the three-day per week mandate instituted in May 2023, some businesses had seen an uptick in activity, but it was still slower compared to pre-pandemic levels. As Amazon employees began returning to the office, a sense of anticipation was in the air, with hopes of eliminating slow days such as Mondays and Fridays that were often disrupted by remote work. The prospect of increased foot traffic was welcomed by businesses in the area, including Mainstay Provisions, a cafe/market where employees frequented.
Amazon’s decision to bring employees back to the office full-time had stirred mixed reactions among the workforce. While the company believed that a strong in-office culture was essential for maintaining its unique corporate environment, some employees voiced their dissatisfaction with the five-day policy. Concerns were raised on platforms such as the “Remote Advocacy” Slack channel and Blind, an anonymous forum for workers, with some considering looking for other job opportunities due to the policy.
City leaders and small business owners viewed Amazon’s return-to-office mandate as a potential catalyst for other companies to follow suit, transitioning away from remote and hybrid work arrangements that had become prevalent during the pandemic. The hope was that a greater emphasis on in-office work would benefit local businesses and communities, revitalizing downtown areas. While the impact of Amazon’s policy on the wider business landscape remained to be seen, the initial reactions from employees suggested that further adjustments and accommodations might be necessary to address concerns and ensure a successful transition to the new work model.
