Former Google CEO Criticizes Remote Work, Suggests It’s Hindering the Company in AI Race Against OpenAI
Eric Schmidt, former CEO and chairman of Google, recently expressed concerns that the tech giant is lagging behind AI-focused startups like OpenAI because of its support for remote work and work-life balance. Speaking to students at Stanford University, Schmidt argued that Google’s emphasis on work-life balance, including remote work, is a key reason the company is losing ground in the artificial intelligence competition.
“Google prioritized work-life balance, allowing employees to go home early and work from home, rather than focusing on winning,” Schmidt remarked. He pointed out that startups like OpenAI thrive because their employees are willing to work extremely hard.
Schmidt also advised aspiring entrepreneurs that if they start their own companies, they shouldn’t allow employees to work from home and only come into the office one day a week if they want to stay competitive with other startups.
The former Google executive noted that many leading tech companies have historically failed to capitalize on emerging industry trends. He also praised the importance of “crazy ideas” and leaders like Elon Musk, who emphasize in-office work.
However, Schmidt’s comments sparked debate on social media. One user sarcastically blamed remote workers for AI missteps, saying, “It’s the remote workers who are to blame for their AI generating diverse Nazis, not the leadership, of course.” Another user highlighted the potential for combining flexibility with excellence, warning that Google could face a talent drain if it insists on a high return-to-office rate.
A third commenter pointed out the challenges of making a case against remote work, especially when company offices are in areas with severe housing shortages.
Google, for its part, has indicated a preference for employees to return to the office, moving towards a hybrid model where staff spend “approximately three days in the office and two days working from wherever they are most productive.”
Schmidt is not alone in his stance against remote work. JPMorgan CEO Jaime Dimon has also been vocal about the limitations of remote work, particularly for younger employees, creativity, and effective management.
