Breaking: Good American CEO Emma Grede Calls Working From Home ‘Career Suicide’
Emma Grede, the billionaire co-founder of Good American and Skims, has issued a stark warning against remote work. In a recent Bloomberg podcast, she declared that working from home is “career suicide.”
“We only talk about the upside of working from home,” Grede said. “But there’s a real downside that nobody wants to address.”
Her comments come as the debate over return-to-office (RTO) mandates intensifies across corporate America. Grede’s blunt assessment adds fuel to an already heated conversation.
Societal Impact Beyond the Office
Grede linked remote work to broader societal problems. “Think about what’s happening in the world: declining birth rates, declining marriage rates, and a loneliness epidemic,” she said.
“We think none of that is linked to the number of people who don’t see people because they’re doing Zoom calls from the living room. It’s so crazy to not make that correlation.”
She added: “The key to a long and happy life is your close relationships.”
Context: RTO Mandates and Employee Backlash
Over the past year, many companies have enforced RTO policies, sparking tension. Employers argue that in-person work boosts collaboration and productivity.
However, some experts caution that mandates must be implemented with empathy to avoid eroding trust and engagement. Grede’s comment aligns with the pro-office camp.
Background: From Failure to Fortune
Grede, a British-born entrepreneur, co-founded size-inclusive fashion brand Good American with Khloé Kardashian in 2016. The company launched with $1 million in sales on its first day.
In 2019, she became a founding partner of Kim Kardashian’s shapewear line Skims, now valued at $5 billion as of November 2024. Grede credits her success to never doubting her abilities and surrounding herself with experts who ‘could help open doors.’
Yet she admits to numerous failures. “There’s a ton of things that didn’t work. I opened offices that didn’t pan out, grew companies then had to downsize. Those things are painful,” she said. “We only show the glossy side.”
“Anyone who’s an entrepreneur that’s done multiple things will have failed. It’s about figuring it out. If you have the answers, you’re probably not moving fast enough.”
What This Means for the Future of Work
Grede’s remarks resonate with executives pushing for a full return to the office. But they also risk alienating employees who value flexibility.
Industry observers note that remote work has become a key factor in talent retention. A blanket condemnation may oversimplify a nuanced issue.
Nevertheless, Grede’s track record—building billion-dollar brands with celebrity partners—gives her perspective weight. Her warning serves as a rallying cry for those who believe in-person interaction is essential for career growth and societal health.