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- Skims cofounder Emma Grede says working from home is ‘career suicide’ (businessinsider.com)
Emma Grede, cofounder of Skims and CEO of Good American, has raised concerns about the overlooked social costs of remote work. Speaking on the “Leaders with Francine Lacqua” podcast, Grede described working from home as “career suicide” and emphasized that the conversation around remote work often ignores its negative effects.
Grede pointed to broader societal trends such as declining birth rates, falling marriage rates, and the rise of loneliness, suggesting these issues may be connected to the increasing isolation caused by remote work. “The key to a long and happy life is your close relationships,” she stated, highlighting the importance of in-person connections.
Reflecting on her own journey, Grede shared how valuable it was for her to physically be present in workplaces during unpaid internships, despite financial struggles. She believes that firsthand experience and immersion early in one’s career are crucial for learning and growth.
Grede has also expressed firm views on workplace expectations. Earlier this year, she called it a red flag when candidates ask about work-life balance during interviews, saying, “Work-life balance is your problem.
It isn’t your employer’s responsibility.” Additionally, she sparked discussion by describing herself as a “max three-hour mum” on weekends, focusing on creating impactful moments with her children.
Her stance aligns with other prominent leaders who have criticized remote work. Elon Musk called remote work “morally wrong” last year, arguing it’s unfair for some employees to work from home while others must be on-site. JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon has also advocated for in-person work, emphasizing the benefits of learning through direct experience and mentorship.
Reflecting these perspectives, major companies including JPMorgan, Amazon, and Google have been encouraging employees to return to the office since mid-2025, signaling a shift away from widespread remote work policies.
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- Skims cofounder Emma Grede says working from home is ‘career suicide’ (businessinsider.com)