Skims cofounder Emma Grede warns remote work can be ‘career suicide’

Emma Grede, a cofounder of Skims, 43, emphasises that the true costs of working from home are not sufficiently acknowledged.

During the "Leaders with Francine Lacqua" podcast episode released on Monday, Grede commented that working remotely might have significant social impacts being overlooked by many.

"Working from home equates to career self-sabotage. People typically only discuss the benefits of working from home," Grede explained to Francine Lacqua, the podcast host.

Although the drawbacks aren't popular topics, Grede is convinced the repercussions are already evident.

"Consider global scenarios: falling birth rates, decreasing marriage rates, and the loneliness crisis. Is it not logical to link these to the many people interacting only through Zoom calls from their homes?" Grede suggested.

Grede, also the CEO of Good American and the first Black female investor featured on "Shark Tank," described how illogical it seems not to see that connection.

"The foundation of a long and fulfilling life lies in your intimate relationships," she noted.

Grede believes that being physically present matters, especially at the beginning of one's career.

"I undertook numerous unpaid internships, despite my financial struggles. It was a genuine challenge for me," Grede revealed.

However, she emphasised the immense value she gained from those experiences.

"Being able to enter an organisation and understand its workings without relevant qualifications was transformative. It's crucial to maintain certain protections, but I advocate for exposing more to learning opportunities," she expressed.

This isn't the first instance where Grede has expressed strong opinions on workplace standards. In May 2025, she expressed concern when candidates questioned work-life balance during interviews.

"Work-life balance is something you need to manage personally. It's not your employer's duty," Grede stated.

In an April discussion with The Wall Street Journal, Grede initiated an online debate after calling herself a "max three-hour mom" on weekends, focusing on memorable, impactful events with her children.

Grede joins the rising number of CEOs challenging remote work trends.

In May 2023, Elon Musk declared remote work "morally unfair," criticizing the disparity when some employees work from home while others cannot.

"Really, you're on remote work while others who made your car work in a factory?" Musk questioned.

In March, JPMorgan's Jamie Dimon argued that remote work "is ineffective" for many younger staff, who often benefit from direct mentor guidance.

"Observing you on a sales call or handling a misstep offers crucial learning opportunities," Dimon emphasised.

Post-mid-2025, prominent companies, including JPMorgan, Amazon, and Google, have enforced office return policies.