Elon Musk's perspective on remote work has ignited contentious discussions in the business world. As the CEO of Tesla, Musk holds a viewpoint rooted in the importance of physical presence, and he has never been one to mince words.
Musk's recent remarks during Tesla's Q3 2023 Earnings Call only deepened his stance against remote work. He said that remote workers are "detached from reality," suggesting they somehow benefit from the in-person efforts of others. He then asks a rhetorical question, stating, "What about all the people that have to come to the factory and fill the cars or all people that have to go to the restaurant and make your food and deliver your food?" These comments seemed to have caught the attention of listeners, particularly as it was a pivot from the primary discussion about Tesla's vehicle prices.
Musk's stand against remote work isn't a new revelation. He has consistently criticized the work-from-home culture in separate occassions. Last year, an email circulated to Tesla employees asking them to work at least 40 hours a week in the office, or they might face the decision to "depart Tesla." He reinforced his stance in an interview with CNBC, stating that remote work was "morally wrong" and dismissed it as "not a productivity thing." He sharply commented, "People should get off the goddamn moral high horse with the work-from-home bulls----.