Amazon employees have voiced concerns over the company’s evolving culture, with complaints surfacing more publicly following a viral LinkedIn post by former worker Stephanie Ramos. Her post highlighted bureaucratic issues and resonated with many current employees. It sparked a broader conversation about Amazon’s work environment.
Ramos, who worked at Amazon for six years before being laid off in 2023, was rehired this year but quit after less than three months. In her LinkedIn post, she criticized the increasing bureaucracy and inefficiency within the company, mentioning “pointless meetings” and “middling middle managers” as primary reasons for her departure. Her post quickly gained traction, with over 100,000 views and more than 200 comments, including remarks from Amazon employees worldwide.
Employees frustrations
Many current employees shared similar frustrations, particularly with the leadership transition from Jeff Bezos to Andy Jassy, who became CEO in 2021. While Bezos was known for his hands-on approach and real-time all-hands meetings, employees like Todd Leonhardt, an AWS software developer, lamented that Jassy’s leadership feels less transparent. Another long-term employee, Laura Barry, expressed dissatisfaction with the new policy requiring employees to return to the office five days a week, comparing the company’s shift in culture to that of a traditional bank.
Jassy’s tenure has been marked by significant layoffs and cost-cutting initiatives aimed at streamlining Amazon’s operations, moves that have pleased investors but unsettled staff. Despite these internal struggles, Amazon spokeswoman Margaret Callahan emphasized that Amazon still ranks highly on LinkedIn’s Top Companies, where it placed second in 2024.
While employee complaints are not unusual, this public forum on LinkedIn marked a rare, open critique of the company. The return-to-office mandate, scheduled to begin in January, has fueled discontent. Many employees expressing concerns about the company’s future direction under Jassy’s leadership.
Ramos’ post has united many Amazon workers who share her frustrations, with Ramos herself feeling validated by the overwhelming response. As the company navigates these internal challenges, it faces increasing pressure to address concerns about its evolving workplace culture.
