Nubank, with one of the most flexible work models in the financial sector, is changing its rules to require greater office presence from its nearly 9,500 employees. Starting July 2026, two days a week in the office will be mandatory, increasing to three in 2027. CEO David Vélez explained the decision in a letter, acknowledging challenges for some workers.
Nubank, the Brazilian digital bank, has announced a significant shift in its remote work policy, which previously required only one week in the office per quarter. The decision aims to strengthen organizational culture and foster innovation through face-to-face interactions.
In an extensive letter to employees, founder and global CEO David Vélez detailed that the change was not easy. "We know that many of you will welcome this decision. For others, it will cause disruptions, especially for those who live far from our offices or who joined Nubank for the flexibility of remote work. We understand the magnitude of this change and do not take it lightly", Vélez wrote.
The transition period includes eight months for adaptation, with some exceptions for certain employees. Starting July 2026, two days per week in the office will be required, increasing to three in 2027. To accommodate everyone, Nubank will expand its offices in São Paulo and create new ones in Campinas, Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires (Argentina), Washington DC, Miami, and Palo Alto (United States).
Vélez argued that remote work has "hidden costs", such as the dissipation of cultural energy and reduced idea quality. "Culture is not a document or a set of values on a wall; it is a living system of habits, energy, and trust built through daily human connection", he stated. He also noted that the most innovative companies prioritize in-person time, as creativity emerges from unplanned interactions.
The company will offer relocation assistance to eligible employees, though without specific details. It acknowledged that some may not adapt: "We recognize that some people may not feel comfortable with the Nubank we are building. But we encourage you to be part of this new and exciting stage". Nubank maintains headquarters in Bogotá (Colombia), Mexico City (Mexico), Berlin (Germany), Montevideo (Uruguay), and Durham (U.S.), and Vélez resides in Uruguay.