Amazon, the behemoth of global retail, is doubling down on its new return-to-office policy, and it’s clear they are not interested in negotiating with those who oppose it. At an all-hands meeting for Amazon Web Services (AWS) this week, AWS CEO Matt Garman sent a strong message: if employees don’t like the new five-day workweek policy, they’re free to find work elsewhere.

Speaking with confidence, Garman highlighted that nine out of 10 employees he has spoken with actually support the shift back to the office, which is set to take full effect in January 2024. But for those who don’t want to comply? Garman’s message was simple: *there are other companies out there.*

“If there are people who just don’t work well in that environment and don’t want to, that’s okay, there are other companies around,” Garman said, in a clear nod to the fact that Amazon’s future is one of in-person innovation. “When we want to really, really innovate on interesting products, I have not seen an ability for us to do that when we’re not in-person.”

This decision to enforce a stricter in-office policy has ignited backlash from some Amazon employees who claim that commuting is a waste of time and that there’s little evidence to support the claim that being physically present boosts productivity. But Garman and Amazon leadership aren’t buying it. In fact, they’re holding firm, convinced that being present in the office is the only way to foster the level of collaboration and creativity that has defined Amazon’s success over the years.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy made waves last month when he announced that the company would shift from its current three-day office policy to a full five days in the office. His rationale was simple: to “invent, collaborate, and be connected”—pillars of the company’s culture that he says can’t be realized when employees are working remotely.

And for those employees who refuse to follow the policy? Some have already found themselves locked out of company systems, essentially being told they’ve “voluntarily resigned.” Amazon’s message is crystal clear: adapt or leave.

It’s not surprising to see Amazon taking a harder stance compared to other tech giants. While companies like Google, Meta, and Microsoft are sticking to more flexible two- or three-day hybrid policies, Amazon, the second-largest private employer in the world behind Walmart, is setting itself apart by pushing back on the work-from-home trend that has overtaken Silicon Valley.

“I’m actually quite excited about this change,” Garman said during the meeting. “I know not everyone is,” he added, acknowledging the inevitable tension. But he’s convinced that the company’s goals simply can’t be achieved under the current three-day policy. “We didn’t really accomplish anything, like we didn’t get to work together and learn from each other.”

Garman emphasized that Amazon’s core leadership principles, which guide the company’s operations, are far more effective in person. “You can’t internalize them by reading them on the website, you really have to experience them day-to-day,” he explained. One such principle, “disagree and commit,” which allows employees to voice concerns but ultimately follow the lead of decision-makers, is much harder to manage through a video call.

“I don’t know if you guys have tried to disagree via a Chime call,” Garman quipped, referencing Amazon’s internal messaging system. “It’s very hard.”

As Amazon tightens the reins, it’s clear that the company is looking to move beyond the remote work era and return to the roots of its high-energy, high-innovation office culture. And for those who aren’t on board with that vision, the door is open—but it might be swinging in the opposite direction.