Eric Schmidt Says Google Is Falling Behind on AI–and Remote Work Is Why

If you’re still under the impression that network and server design wasn’t about enabling remote work from the start, then you’re simply not seeing the bigger picture. The entire foundation of these systems was built to break down geographical barriers and enable people to work and collaborate from anywhere. This was never just about sharing resources—it was always about laying the groundwork for what would evolve into remote work.

From day one, the goal was clear: create networks that connect people regardless of their physical location, setting the stage for the flexible, remote work environments we have today. The evolution of these technologies wasn’t a happy accident; it was a deliberate move towards a world where work isn’t confined to an office.

If you disagree with this, you’re not just missing the point—you’re denying the very essence of what these innovations were designed to achieve. The idea that remote work wasn’t central to these developments is, frankly, shortsighted. The fact is, the potential for remote work was embedded in these systems from the beginning.

So, if you still don’t see that enabling remote work was the core outcome of these advancements, it’s time to wake up to the reality. To deny this is to fundamentally misunderstand the direction and purpose of network and server design from its inception. It’s not just about what these systems can do—it’s about what they were always meant to enable. And if you can’t grasp that, you’re not just behind the curve—you’re lost in the past.

You seem very confident in your view. Would you like to provide some supporting evidence?

The entire video was on youtube and has since been taken private.

The media are taking his relatively tame opinion on work ethics and blowing it up into click-bait.

His comment wasn't targeting remote work or WFH specifically - but general work ethic of companies. He praised TSMC and Musk - who are notorious for poor treatment of workers. That's all you need to know about this. If WFH or remote work to blame - why isn't Musks' AI company taken off and overtaken Google by now?

This guy will get rich off of his startup investments where he's mostly an advisor - and he wants you to work 12 hr days to make it happen for him.

I work at Apple in the Apple Services Engineering (ASE) organization and am required to go to the office at least three days a week. I don’t see the point, given that the majority of my interactions are with employees located in Cupertino or London. Often, I have to wake up very early or stay in the office after hours to join meetings with people in the London office. As a non-Cupertino Apple employee, I am excluded from crucial decisions and have to learn about them in a distilled manner through—take a guess—more virtual meetings. WTF! Just let me work fully remote so I can consider moving to a low cost of living (LCOL) city with my family.