End of Remote Work at Nothing Company

With the adoption of remote working models during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, many companies in the tech world created new working arrangements. However, the newly established company Nothing made it mandatory for its 450 employees to come to the London office five days a week. Nothing’s CEO Carl Pei emphasized in an email sent to employees last week that those who cannot transition to remote working might be better off leaving the company and finding an “environment where they can develop.”

In the email shared on LinkedIn, Pei stated that they aim to enhance collaboration and innovation in design, engineering, and manufacturing, expressing that remote work is not very effective in these areas. The new working arrangement is planned to come into effect within two months. Additionally, Pei announced that he would answer live questions from employees about this decision in the company’s next employee meeting.

The CEO used a clear statement in his email: “Remote work is not compatible with a high level of ambition and a fast pace.” He reminded employees who have concerns about flexibility that “Nothing is a company for adults,” emphasizing that this decision might not be suitable for everyone. Pei acknowledged, “I know this is a controversial decision; many companies thrive in remote or hybrid work arrangements,” admitting that such practices work for some companies. However, he continued, “but this is not suitable for our working methods and will hinder us from fully realizing our potential as a company.”

Of course, Nothing is not the only company in the tech sector making the decision to return to the office. Other large firms like Meta, Amazon, Google, Roblox, and even Zoom have imposed restrictions on remote working policies following the end of pandemic-related quarantines. However, most of these changes are based on arrangements requiring employees to be in the office three days a week.