Tech startup Nothing has made a decisive shift in its workplace policy, requiring all employees to return to the company’s London office for a full five-day workweek. The decision, announced by CEO Carl Pei on LinkedIn, marks a departure from the remote-first approach adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic and aligns with a broader trend in the tech industry.

Pei justified the mandate by citing the importance of in-person collaboration and innovation for achieving Nothing’s ambitious goals. He argued that remote work is not conducive to the high-speed, high-performance environment that the company aims to foster.

The new policy, which will take effect in two months, is expected to have significant implications for Nothing’s workforce. While some employees may welcome the opportunity for increased face-to-face interaction, others may find the mandate restrictive and incompatible with their personal or professional needs.

Nothing’s decision contrasts with the more flexible hybrid approaches adopted by many other tech companies, such as Meta, Amazon, Google, and Zoom. These companies have typically required employees to be in the office for a few days per week, allowing for a balance between in-person and remote work.