The phrase “work from home” has gone from being a temporary solution to a defining feature of the modern workplace. But as we move forward, the big question remains:
Should we continue working from home… or not?
It’s a topic that’s sparked debates across dinner tables, boardrooms — and even ballot boxes. High-profile leaders like Elon Musk have voiced radical opinions on the matter. Some call remote work the future; others say it’s a step backward for productivity and culture.
So where’s the middle ground?
Can we really have the best of both worlds?
My Perspective From Behind the Wheel
As someone who wasn’t afforded the luxury of a home office — a chauffeur working through COVID — I had a front-row seat to this conversation. Literally.
During those tough years, I was part of the laid-off workforce that pivoted quickly, finding new ways to keep moving. Driving executives to and from meetings and airports gave me an unexpected vantage point: I overheard the real conversations about remote work.
Some passengers laughed about doing “half the work for the same money.” Others openly admitted that working from home made it easier to “check out” during the day.
But to be fair, that wasn’t everyone. Many professionals worked tirelessly from makeshift desks and kitchen counters. Some organisations even introduced keyboard stroke tracking software to ensure accountability — a bit extreme, perhaps, but telling of the broader concern.
What CEOs Really Think
One thing stood out during those rides: the perspective of company leaders.
I asked countless executives what they thought of permanent remote work, and their response was remarkably consistent:
“If you insist on working from home, it will likely stunt your advancement in the company.”
Why? Because collaboration, mentorship, visibility, and culture often thrive in the in-person environment. You can’t replace a quick hallway chat or impromptu brainstorm with a scheduled Zoom call.
Is Remote Work Fair?
Here’s the irony — and the question worth asking.
If chauffeurs, airport transfer drivers, hospitality staff, retail teams, and countless others don’t get the option to work from home, why should it be a guaranteed right for others?
Should the workforce be split into those who enjoy flexibility and those who physically can’t?
Should leaders reward remote employees equally when visibility and team engagement are harder to measure?
A Call for Conversation
This isn’t a black-and-white issue. Every role is different, every company has unique needs, and every employee brings a different work ethic.
So here are the questions I leave you with:
- Are you in a leadership position?
- Have you had to choose between promoting a visible in-office employee and a remote one?
- Do you believe in equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of location?
And finally…
Can we truly achieve a fair, productive, and motivated workforce — if we’re not all playing by the same rules?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or share this with your network. The future of work is still being written — and your perspective matters.