Elon Musk criticizes the work-from-home mindset, likening it to “Marie Antoinette vibes,” emphasizing the importance of on-site work during Tesla’s third-quarter financial-results call.
Musk’s Stance on Remote Work
During Tesla’s recent third-quarter financial-results call, CEO Elon Musk expressed strong reservations about the growing work-from-home trend. He described advocates of this mode of work as being “detached from reality.”
Drawing Comparisons
Musk highlighted the stark contrast between remote workers and those who don’t have the luxury of working from home, such as factory workers, restaurant staff, and delivery personnel. He questioned, “How detached from reality does the work-from-home crowd have to be?” Musk also reminisced about the numerous times he slept in the factory, emphasizing that being on-site “mattered.”
Pivoting the Discussion
Interestingly, Musk’s comments on remote work emerged during a discussion about Tesla’s car pricing. After sharing his views on the work-from-home culture, he swiftly returned to the topic of the affordability of Tesla’s vehicles, underscoring the significance of cost.
Past Remarks on Remote Work
This isn’t the first time Musk has expressed such sentiments. In a previous conversation with CNBC, he labeled remote work as “morally wrong” and drew parallels with Marie Antoinette’s notorious “let them eat cake” statement. Musk’s advocacy for in-office work might be influenced by his own work-centric habits, as documented in Walter Isaacson’s biography.
Tesla’s Q3 Performance
During the same earnings call, Tesla reported third-quarter revenues of $23.35 billion, falling short of the anticipated $24.06 billion by Wall Street.
Conclusion
While the global trend shifts towards remote work, industry leaders like Musk emphasize the value of on-site presence. As the world’s wealthiest individual, with an estimated net worth of $226 billion, Musk’s views on work culture and business operations are closely monitored by the global business community.
