Japanese internet conglomerate GMO has announced it will entirely abolish working from home, marking a significant move as companies globally grapple with new work models amidst the ongoing pandemic. The decision came without any specific reason made public thus attracting substantial speculation. How this impacts employee productivity, satisfaction, and the company's competitive edge in attracting talent, remains to be seen.

Despite the trend towards remote working globally due to the pandemic, many traditional Japanese companies uphold a culture of "presence equals productivity". Shift to or continuation of remote working in Japan often faces resistance due to concerns of decreased productivity, employee loyalty, and social cohesion. GMO's decision has sparked debate on balancing employee safety with corporate culture and productivity.

Contrary to what is happening in Japan with GMO's move, many tech companies in the US and EU such as Facebook and Twitter have extended remote work indefinitely. They see it as an opportunity to increase workers' flexibility, happiness, and ultimately, productivity.