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Elon Musk, the mysterious billionaire and CEO of Tesla, was recently fired remote work as “morally flawed”. Interview for CNBCcomparing it to the privileged indulgence of the “laptop class”.
In accordance with Musk, “You are going to do business from home and you are going to force everyone else who built your automotive to work at the factory? You are going to force the individuals who make your food that is delivered – possibly you are not working from home?” Musk asked. “Does that appear morally right? People should get off the rattling moral horse with work-from-home bullshit,” he said. They’re asking everyone else to not do business from home while they do.”
It’s as if Musk sees personal work as a sort of ritual – he and others have done it, so you’ve gotten to do it too. Well, as my mother often said after I proposed to do something silly because others did, “If all your mates jumped off a bridge, would you do it?”
Imagine: Musk standing on the precipice of the Golden Gate Bridge, urging us all to leap into the icy water below, simply because he jumped. While his bravado could also be admired by some, it is not a practical or sustainable model for working in the future. Here’s the thought: As a substitute of Musk’s daring dive into the deep abyss of forced paperwork, perhaps we must always consider a more balanced, flexible, and hybrid approach to work that features each remote and in-person options, as I tell my customers.
Related: Employers: Hybrid work is not an issue – your guidelines are. Here’s why and fix them.
Universal operation error
Musk’s argument is based on the concept of fairness. He argues that since factory staff and people in the service industry cannot do business from home, why should technical staff enjoy this privilege? It’s like standing on the deck of the Titanic that just hit an iceberg, blocking everyone’s access to lifeboats, saying “well, not everyone can have one, so nobody should.”
The issue with this philosophy of justice, nevertheless, is that it assumes a universal approach to work. It’s like insisting that everybody wear size 10 shoes because that is the hottest size. But everyone knows the discomfort of unwell-fitting shoes. A size 10 won’t fit a 6ft person or a 12ft person. Similarly, not all jobs can or ought to be done in the same way.
Work is not a monolith; is a mosaic of varied tasks, responsibilities and roles. It is a kaleidoscope of various industries, each with its own unique needs and nuances. The role of a factory employee inherently requires physical presence, whereas a programmer doesn’t. Putting them in the same bag and imposing a uniform model of labor is like forcing a flamenco dancer and a sumo wrestler to perform the same routine. It isn’t just unfair; it’s impractical.
The flawed morality of private work
Musk labels remote work “morally flawed,” which is as embarrassing as a zebra questioning the ethics of its stripes. Let’s remember: work is a contract, an exchange of time and skills for remuneration. This is not an ethical battleground.
We don’t ask the baker to extract wheat, nor will we require the mechanic to forge tools. Why? Since it’s inefficient and impractical. So why insist on tying a digital marketer or software engineer to a physical location? Is not it time we focused on results, not location?
Musk’s argument also fails to take note of the environmental and social advantages of remote work. Shorter commute times mean less traffic, less pollution, and more time employees can spend with their families. It’s like replacing a gas-guzzling monster truck with a sublime, eco-friendly electric vehicle. Is not that a change Musk should appreciate?
The irony of Musk’s mantra
Musk, the master of innovation, is oddly traditional in terms of work. He praises his factory staff in Shanghai for “burning oil at 3am” and criticizes American staff for searching for flexible work options. It’s like applauding a marathon runner for wearing leather trainers as a substitute of trainers.
While there is something to be said for dedication and labor, we must keep in mind that burning oil at midnight is not a sustainable or healthy work pattern. It’s like starting a automotive engine without stopping – it is going to eventually overheat and fail, which I hope Musk knows something about. As a substitute, we must always value work-life balance, mental health and overall worker well-being.
Musk’s work ethic is undoubtedly unique. He boasts that he only takes two or three days off a 12 months. But let’s not forget that we’re not all Musk. For most individuals, this work schedule is like a chef who only cooks with a burner – not only is it dangerous, it’s downright crazy. Work is not measured by the variety of hours at the desk, but by the efficiency and effectiveness of those hours. In spite of everything, a hamster can run around on a wheel all day and still not get anywhere.
Related: It is best to let your team determine approach hybrid work. A behavioral economist explains why and do it.
Remote work inclusiveness
Remote work is not only about convenience or flexibility; it is also about inclusivity. It opens the door for individuals who have been previously cut off from traditional labor markets, corresponding to individuals with disabilities, carers and folks living in remote areas. It’s like having a celebration and as a substitute of insisting that everybody come to your own home, you’re taking the party to them.
It also allows corporations to tap into global talent, without geographical restrictions. It’s like having a key that opens every door in the world – a key that allows organizations to tap right into a wealthy, diverse pool of skills and perspectives. This diversity results in innovation, resilience and competitive advantage, very like a well-tuned orchestra playing a rousing symphony.
Features a hybrid future
As a substitute of treating personal work as a compulsory ritual, we must always see it as an option across the spectrum of labor modes. Hybrid work – a mixture of remote and in-person work – resembles the working model of the Swiss army knife. It is flexible and versatile, fitting into the nooks and crannies of our diverse lives.
Hybrid work recognizes that not all tasks are created equal. Some tasks require collaboration and profit from spontaneous interactions in an office environment, corresponding to musicians playing together to create a latest melody. But other tasks require deep concentration, the sort of focus that is often easier to seek out in the quiet solitude of your individual home.
As we stand on the cusp of the way forward for work, we must always not allow ourselves to be provoked right into a hasty leap into the past by people like Musk. As a substitute, let’s chart our course fastidiously, specializing in what’s best for each individuals and organizations. In spite of everything, if everyone jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, would you do it? Or would you select a safer, more sensible path that results in a future where work is not where you go, but something you do, wherever you’re.