Skims Co-Founder Calls Remote Work ‘Career Suicide’ Amid Social Decline Concerns

Emma Grede, co-founder of shapewear giant Skims and CEO of denim brand Good American, has ignited fresh debate around remote work by calling it “career suicide.” The serial entrepreneur, reportedly worth $405 million, made the remarks on a recent episode of the Leaders with Francine Lacqua podcast.

“Working from home is career suicide,” Grede stated bluntly. “And we only talk about the upside of working from home.”

The Bigger Social Picture

Grede connected the rise of remote work to broader societal problems, including the loneliness epidemic, declining marriage rates, and falling birth rates. She argued it is “so crazy” to ignore the link between people isolating themselves on Zoom calls and these growing social crises. “The key to a long and happy life is your close relationships,” she said.

Research does lend some support to her loneliness concerns. A January 2026 U.S. study found that employees working remotely three to four days per week reported higher odds of loneliness. Gallup’s 2025 data similarly showed fully remote workers experience more daily loneliness than their hybrid or on-site counterparts. However, studies from Stanford and Princeton researchers suggest remote work is actually associated with higher fertility rates — countering one of Grede’s key claims.

A Career Built on Showing Up

Grede credits in-person presence as central to her own success, recalling unpaid internships she pushed through despite financial hardship. She believes physical proximity unlocks opportunities no video call can replicate.

This is not the first time Grede has sparked workplace controversy — she previously called work-life balance questions in job interviews a red flag, and described herself as a “max three-hour mum” on weekends.