Emma Grede, the co-founder of SKIMS, Good American, and Safely, is under scrutiny after recent comments about work-life balance surfaced during an interview. Grede expressed the view that managing work-life balance is not an employer’s duty but rather the responsibility of individual employees.
Her remarks came in response to a question about what she considers a “red flag” during interviews. Grede cited the question, “Can you talk to me about work-life balance in this organization?” as a major warning sign. Mimicking her reaction to such inquiries, she jokingly added, “I’m leaving, get out!” She went on to say, “Work-life balance is your problem, that’s yours to figure out.”
According to Grede, her companies are structured to support personal life flexibility, making questions about work-life balance unnecessary. “Nobody misses dentist appointments or their kid’s parent-teacher conference,” she stated, emphasizing that her organizations already allow flexibility within the standard work schedule.
Flexible Culture, But High Expectations
Emma Grede elaborated that traditional notions of workplace rigidity no longer apply in her businesses. “It’s not like, ‘Oh my goodness, such and such is not at their desk.’ That’s just not how we work anymore,” she explained. Employees have designated hours, but they’re granted the flexibility to manage their responsibilities without micromanagement.
However, Grede’s strong stance implies that candidates who prioritize work-life balance during interviews may not align with her company culture. “When somebody talks to me about their work-life balance in an interview, I’m like, ‘Something is wrong with you. You haven’t been able to figure that out,’” she said.
These comments arrive at a time when employee well-being and burnout have become central topics in workplace conversations. According to a 2022 Gallup survey, four out of ten U.S. workers reported that their jobs had a somewhat or extremely negative impact on their mental health, suggesting that work-life balance remains a critical issue for many.
Mixed Reactions Online Highlight a Larger Debate
Emma Grede’s remarks have generated a flurry of discussion on social media, with users sharply divided on the issue. Some viewed her comments as dismissive and tone-deaf, especially given the pressures lower-level employees face. “Work-life balance is fine for the owner to ignore who makes 20x my salary! Massive red flag,” one user posted.
Others supported Grede’s viewpoint, interpreting her comments as encouragement for self-management. “She’s not saying work-life balance is bad,” one commenter argued. “She’s saying you need to learn how to manage that yourself and if you can’t, then this isn’t the right place for you.”
The debate reveals a broader tension between evolving workplace expectations and leadership philosophies. While some leaders believe flexibility is embedded in modern business structures, many employees continue to seek clarity and assurance about their well-being in demanding job environments. Grede’s comments, while polarizing, have certainly reignited the conversation around who truly holds responsibility for achieving work-life balance in today’s workforce.
