The recent leak of a supposed email from Tesla boss, Elon Musk, has again thrust the post-pandemic way of working debate into the forefront.
To be frank (though admittedly based on this email alone) I feel his management style sucks and while I completely disagree with his decision on the subject of remote work for Tesla executives, I do see how remote working can become a source of angst for the boss, especially if the people you never see in the office get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars.
While I don't have a horse in the race for this exact debate (because I'm an independent contractor), I do work remotely. As a mum of three young boys (two of which are twins that are pre-school aged) returning to an office just isn't an option. I have the experience and skills to be a corporate super star (communication, organisation, critical thinking and thoughtfulness) but I simply can't commit the [traditional working day] hours away from home. Because on top of those skills...someone has to pick up the kids. So do I find myself answering emails or putting together social media posts at 8pm? Yes. Does it bother me? No. Why? Because at 2pm I have the option to see they physio before school pick-up if I need it. #Balance.
BUT Mr. Musk's position is not a response to a question of skill or talent. I imagine he'd be able to figure out pretty quickly if his employee (or contractor in my case) can deliver. It's a question of value. Am I getting what I'm paying for? And a question of optics. Why are some people required to put in hours on site and others get to have #balance?
I will not attempt to answer the question of optics. It seems clear to me that there are some jobs that simply CAN NOT be done remotely. But for a long time employers could see, with their own eyes, that their employees were putting in the hours, making the calls or networking their way into deals. Technology, boosted by the pandemic, has changed all of that.
As I see it, it's a matter of an organisation {and it's top dog(s)} trusting its employees. AND in return the employees having enough integrity to put in the work expected of them. This, as an independent contractor, I can relate to. I'm happy to get the job done as timely as reasonably possible (which usually means less money as I bill by the hour) if I have a client that is happy with the outcome and will return for business.
I acknowledge that investing in me is what potential clients might consider a risk. It's my job to convince and then show them that their hard earned dollars are not only not going to waste, but it would be in their best interest to do it. And I do that the best way I know how.
I have never, as a business owner, employee, mum, partner, athlete, coach or student shied away from hard work. The work that exposes who you are at your depths. I embrace it. It challenges me. It teaches me everyday. And it's never let me (or my employers/clients) down.
I obviously can't say whether Tesla's executives have proven themselves to the boss. And, again, to be frank, it doesn't seem like it would actually matter. #Good luck.
But for those of us not in Elon's atmosphere (pun intended), I hope reason reigns and we are allowed to embrace whichever way of working that brings the best outcomes.
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