Amazon's AI Talent Woes: Frugality and RTO Policies Hamper Recruitment

Amazon is lagging in the fierce AI talent war. Internal documents reveal that its unique pay structure, lagging AI reputation, and rigid return-to-office (RTO) policies are major obstacles. Competitors offer more competitive compensation and flexible work arrangements, making it difficult for Amazon to attract top talent. While Amazon claims its compensation is competitive, its 'egalitarian' pay philosophy and strict salary bands hinder its ability to compete for high-earning AI experts. The mandatory RTO policy further limits its access to talent. Amazon is trying to adjust its recruitment strategy, but whether its ingrained frugal culture and rigid systems can change remains to be seen.