Skims co-founder Emma Grede believes that achieving work-life balance is "your responsibility."

      One of my greatest concerns after finishing college was the fear of never having genuine free time again. Although school involved classes and assignments, we had significant control over our schedules. Pilates at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday? Sure! Spending a few hours reading in the quad before meeting friends for happy hour? Completely normal for a Thursday. However, I recognized that in corporate America, the essence of a 9-to-5 job meant considerably less autonomy over my day—not to mention the alarming stories I had heard about how, if your work actually finished at 5 p.m., you were quite fortunate. Luckily, the shift has been smoother than I anticipated, with many advocating for the significance of work-life balance—except for Skims cofounder Emma Grede.

      This week, Grede was featured on The Diary of a CEO podcast and gained attention for her controversial take on work-life balance: it’s not the company’s responsibility but yours. Her comments sparked a heated online discussion; while some people applauded her candidness, others were quick to criticize her perspective. Whether you followed the drama from the episode's release or just want a summary, we’re outlining what transpired, along with our thoughts on the issue. Here’s everything you should know about the situation and who truly bears the responsibility for work-life balance.

      During the podcast, Grede expressed that she views it as a warning sign when candidates inquire about work-life balance during interviews. “Here’s the thing,” she stated. “Work-life balance is your issue. It’s yours to figure out.” She added that achieving extraordinary success demands extraordinary work.

      There’s no disputing that Grede has established a significant empire—she co-founded Skims, Good American, and Off Season. I admire her transparency regarding the sacrifices she made to reach her current position, particularly in an age where social media often portrays everything as seamless. It’s refreshing to hear someone bluntly state: if you desire something substantial, you must work diligently and be willing to give up what others may not. However, Grede’s viewpoint overlooks the privilege of holding a top position in an organization and, frankly, demonstrates a lack of awareness of how everyday individuals live.

      In a first-round interview, I can see why she might not appreciate being asked about work-life balance, but seeking clarity on whether evenings will be free isn’t merely a “perk” for most people—it’s crucial. She seems to think that these candidates are assessing how little they can work before even starting the job. In reality, they are trying to gauge the job's demands—specifically, if they’ll be able to leave on time. The inability to leave at 5 p.m. significantly impacts their ability to manage responsibilities, such as added childcare expenses.

      When the workday concludes, not everyone is off the clock. Many return home to additional responsibilities that can be more demanding than their jobs. Parents must feed children, pay bills, and tackle countless tasks on a to-do list. Unlike someone in Grede’s financial position, they often lack a team of assistants, nannies, and household help. They transition from one job to another without the luxury of heading to the beach in Malibu to unwind, as Grede mentioned in the interview.

      During the podcast, Grede made a distinction, suggesting that the “majority” of individuals—those seeking stability, a good income, and the ability to enjoy life—should not have to work late hours or weekends to achieve those goals. However, she emphasized that these individuals have “regular goals” rather than “extraordinary ones.” Yet, this statement feels remarkably disconnected from reality. She doesn’t seem to realize that, in today's economy, what she considers basic goals are increasingly difficult to achieve. Many are cutting expenses, preparing for a potential recession, and applying for jobs in companies that are only pretending to hire. For numerous individuals, owning a nice car and taking a few vacations a year is merely a dream, even while working significantly more than 40 hours weekly.

      Grede’s viewpoint suggests that desiring a work-life balance implies an unwillingness to work hard. However, one can be highly ambitious and still wish to attend a doctor’s appointment without using one of their limited PTO days. She claims individuals should be able to achieve that, but that’s not a reality for many workers. While it’s understood that lofty ambitions require dedication, that doesn’t mean one cannot also want a fulfilling life.

      To some extent, yes, you are partly accountable for your work-life balance. If you find yourself distracted throughout the day, you may be required to stay late to finish your tasks. However, placing the entire burden on workers is not realistic. They often lack the leverage to demand better work-life balance, especially when their job is essential for their survival. In many instances, they can’t even relay to their manager that they cannot take on another project. Companies must take responsibility and support their teams, recognizing