Amazon has introduced a new expense policy requiring employees to report the percentage of work-related usage on company-issued mobile phones.
CEO Andy Jassy is leading a broader cost-cutting initiative that aims to tighten operational discipline and reduce discretionary spending across divisions.
The revised policy requires employees to demonstrate that the majority of their phone usage is work-related in order to receive the standard $50 monthly reimbursement.
Amazon will reduce the reimbursement proportionally if personal use exceeds a certain threshold.
The policy is currently being enforced across Amazon Web Services (AWS) and other corporate units, with granular tracking mechanisms in place.
Amazon Micromanagement Measures Extend Beyond Phone Tracking
Jassy introduced the phone usage policy as one of several new measures in his “hardcore culture reset.”
According to internal sources cited by Business Insider, Amazon has also mandated that retail employees seek prior approval for business travel by outlining expected goals and returns.
Meal expenses must now be itemized, and employees will justify each cost.
These changes reflect a shift from blanket expense policies to more individualized scrutiny, with managers instructed to ask themselves, “What would I do if this was my money?” before approving any expenditure.
Employee Concerns Over Surveillance and Work Culture
The new rules have sparked concern among employees, many of whom view the phone tracking requirement as intrusive.
Amazon reportedly requires AWS staff to break down their mobile usage into business and personal categories, and adjusts reimbursements dollar-for-dollar based on the amount of non-work activity.
The policy has led to anxiety about job security and increased pressure to conform to rigid performance expectations.
Some employees have described the environment as increasingly micromanaged, with little room for flexibility or trust.
Jassy’s leadership style has been described as “hardline” by multiple reports, with a strong emphasis on frugality, urgency, and discipline.
Jassy took over as Amazon’s CEO from Jeff Bezos in 2021.
Since then, he has introduced several structural changes, such as reducing management layers and increasing the worker-to-manager ratio by 15%.
Return-to-Office Mandate and Broader Cultural Shift
The phone tracking policy coincides with Amazon’s return-to-office mandate, which requires most employees to work from physical offices five days a week.
The directive has faced pushback from remote workers, particularly in tech and cloud divisions.
Many argue that their productivity has remained consistent despite working outside the office.
Jassy has defended the mandate, stating that in-person collaboration is essential for innovation and accountability.
Amazon’s increased focus on surveillance, expense scrutiny, and mandatory office attendance reflects a significant shift in its internal culture.
The company now places greater emphasis on control, cost-efficiency, and measurable performance outcomes.
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