Seattle braces for mayhem as 50,000 Amazon workers are set to return to the office full time
Commuter mayhem is set to strike in Seattle as Amazon workers return to the office full time this week.
Amazon employees are now expected to work from the office five days a week, which is a shift from the three-day hybrid schedule that’s been in place since May 2023.
This new policy makes Amazon one of the strictest tech companies in the region (and probably worldwide) when it comes to in-person work.
Today (Monday 6 January) will mark the first full week of Amazon's new requirement.
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In other words, 65,000 commuters will be making their way into Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond via car, bus, train or foot.
Last week, some Seattle residents started noticing an increase in travel.
Nels Weber, a light rail rider in Pike Place, said he noticed more people than usual during his commute last week and even spotted a fare ambassador for the first time.
Meanwhile, another resident called John Sebastian reported hitting a wall of brake lights on the I-5 and decided to take surface streets instead.
Local vendors are also preparing for the travel impact.
Jennifer Garcia, who sells hand-painted t-shirts and hats from a stall called Galaxy Wear in the Pike Place Market, said: “From the south up north to Seattle, it's bad already. So I'm going to assume it's going to get really bad."
Garcia said she drives to work but is considering taking the bus if traffic becomes an issue.
Previously, the multinational e-commerce giant argued that working in person allows for better collaboration, learning and innovation.
But not all employees are on board.
Some have pushed back with petitions and letters on the return-to-office requirement, requesting the return of remote work and flexibility.
Others have quit and are now seeking other job opportunities.
On the bright side, Amazon’s full-time return could mean a boost in profits for Seattle businesses.
Local business groups are optimistic that the influx of Amazon workers will help breathe new life into the city’s business districts.
For example, at King Leroy, a restaurant and bar housed in Amazon's Doppler tower in Denny Triangle, general manager Nik Taylor is already preparing for the increased demand.
"I've never worked at a place that depended on people coming back to the office," Taylor said.
Taylor estimated up to 90% of the restaurant's lunch regulars are Amazon employees and expects to see an uptick in business once workers return. Moreover, the manager is considering hiring additional staff to keep up with the growing demand.