A blunt message from the CEO about remote work — ‘This company is for adults’

The fast-growing British there is nothing-Founder and CEO of mobile phone manufacturer Ieoh Ming Pei Decided to change the company’s remote work practices.

Pei introduced new policies for publishing in LinkedIn Community Services In Update. In the future, employees will be required to work five days a week at the company’s London headquarters.

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“Remote work is not compatible with high ambition and fast action,” Pei wrote.

According to him, despite being the fastest-growing smartphone maker in India, Nothing has only tapped 0.1% of its potential. The company’s sales in India have grown nearly sixfold in a year.

Pei said he understands his decision may not be to the liking of all employees. By moving to part-time work, Nothing aims to increase levels of collaboration, creativity and ambition.

“Some may be concerned about flexibility, but this is no different than it was before the pandemic. This company is for adults, so if you need to leave the office to run an errand, we trust you’ll make the right decision.”

Employees were given two months to digest the new policy, during which time the CEO urged them to look for other jobs if the policy didn’t suit them.

“We know this arrangement isn’t right for everyone, but that’s OK. We should seek compatibility on both sides,” Pei wrote.

“You should find an environment where you can thrive, and we need to find people who are willing to be with us for decades to come.”

Carl Pei’s publication received hundreds of comments on LinkedIn. Some thanked Pei for his courage. However, most people were angry about Pei’s remarks.

“This company is for adults Suggesting that teleworking is for kids or some kind of over-age teenager. I hope this is the last I hear from this company,” one user wrote.

“Another power hungry CEO who won’t trust his employees unless he can physically see them in the office. Farewell to all the talented employees who have outside commitments that don’t allow for five days of office work,” said another.