Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt reveals why tech giant trails startups in AI race

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has criticized the tech giant’s work-from-home policy, suggesting it’s a key factor in why Google is losing the artificial intelligence race with startups like OpenAI.

During a recent talk at Stanford University, Schmidt said, “Google decided work-life balance, going home early, working from home was more important than winning.”

Schmidt, who also served as Alphabet’s executive chairman, pointed out that this shift has put the company at a disadvantage compared to startups, where “people work like hell.”

“I am sorry to be so blunt, but the fact of the matter is when you all leave university and go found (start) a company, you’re not going to let people work from home and only come in one day a week, ” he added.

In his remarks, Eric Schmidt pointed out that leading tech companies often miss out on the next big industry leap, underlining the importance of innovative thinking and driven leaders like Elon Musk.

Schmidt’s views align with those of other top executives, such as JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon, who has been critical of remote work and has pushed for employees to return to the office.

However, it may be noted that Schmidt’s claim that Google only expects employees to come in one out of five working days appears inaccurate.

According to reports, Google requires its employees to be in the office three days a week.