In his annual letter to shareholders, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy laid out a vision for how generative AI could become the company's next pillar of growth. The company has invested $4 billion in AI startup Anthropic and added prominent computer scientist and AI expert Dr. Andrew Ng to its board. Amazon is taking a three-pronged approach to AI innovation: it will focus on AI models, applications built on top of the models, and the chips that power the technology. The company is optimistic that a lot of world-changing AI will be built on top of AWS.

This engineering manager learned three things from his time at Amazon: solve problems through mechanisms, communicate with precision, and give teams full autonomy. He misses the deep technical talks at Amazon but doesn't miss the inconsistent management culture before Andy Jassy's leadership changes.

A recent announcement from Amazon CEO Andy Jassy has sparked significant discontent among employees, as he mandated a return to the office five days a week starting next year. A poll conducted by Blind, an online platform for verified tech workers, revealed that a staggering 91% of the over 2,500 Amazon employees surveyed expressed dissatisfaction with this return-to-office (RTO) requirement. Only 9% of respondents indicated they were happy with the decision, while 73% reported they were considering leaving the company due to the new policy. Employees voiced their concerns about the RTO mandate, particularly those who were hired remotely or live far from an office. Many cited personal circumstances, such as family commitments, as reasons for their reluctance to relocate. The poll indicated that 32% of respondents knew someone who had already quit over the RTO mandate, and 80% were aware of colleagues contemplating resignation. The sentiment among employees is that the blanket policy is unreasonable, especially for those who have adapted to remote work. Some employees expressed feelings of dejection and frustration, with one stating that such decisions negatively impact their quality of life. The backlash against the RTO policy is not only leading to potential resignations but is also affecting Amazon's recruitment efforts. Reports suggest that candidates are withdrawing from the hiring process in response to the new mandate, prompting urgency from Amazon recruiters to fill positions. While Amazon is not the only tech company enforcing a return to the office, its strict approach has raised concerns about employee retention and recruitment. The situation reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, where companies are grappling with the balance between in-office work and remote flexibility. As employees weigh their options, the future of workplace policies in tech remains uncertain, particularly for those who prefer the flexibility of remote work.

Employers are increasingly terminating Gen Z graduates shortly after hiring them, citing a range of issues that highlight a disconnect between the expectations of the workplace and the preparedness of these young workers. A recent survey conducted by Intelligent.com revealed that 60% of employers have already let go of some Gen Z hires, with many expressing concerns about the overall quality of recent graduates. This trend has led to a growing hesitance among employers to hire new college graduates, with one in six indicating they may avoid hiring them in the future. The primary complaints from employers center around the perceived lack of motivation and initiative among Gen Z workers. Half of the surveyed leaders identified these traits as significant factors in their decision to terminate new hires. Other common issues included unprofessional behavior, poor organization, and inadequate communication skills. Many employers reported challenges such as tardiness, inappropriate attire, and unprofessional language in the workplace. As a result, over half of hiring managers believe that recent college graduates are ill-prepared for the demands of the job market, with more than 20% stating that these young workers struggle to manage their workloads. In response to these challenges, some educational institutions are taking steps to better prepare students for the workforce. For instance, Michigan State University is now offering training on networking skills, while a high school in London is experimenting with longer school days to equip students for adult responsibilities. To improve their employability, employers suggest that Gen Z graduates adopt a more positive attitude and demonstrate greater initiative. Huy Nguyen, an advisor on education and career development, encourages young professionals to observe workplace dynamics and engage thoughtfully with colleagues. He emphasizes the importance of seeking feedback and showing a commitment to personal growth. Notably, industry leaders like Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy and Richard Branson have highlighted that a positive attitude can significantly influence career success, sometimes even more than formal qualifications. Overall, the message is clear: for Gen Z graduates to thrive in the workplace, they must cultivate a proactive mindset and adapt to the expectations of their employers.