Musk’s About-Face on Remote Work Latest Example of RTO Whiplash

Elon Musk has softened his tone on remote work to convince people to remain at Twitter Inc., joining a growing roster of business leaders who’ve realized the value of allowing more flexible arrangements — and the perils of forbidding them.

Musk, who has often ridiculed working from home, had banned remote work in his first email to workers last week. But Twitter’s new owner sent a follow-up email Thursday softening his tone. “All that is required for approval is that your manager takes responsibility for ensuring that you are making an excellent contribution,” he wrote, adding that staffers ...