British entrepreneur Emma Grede, co-founder of the popular bodywear brand Skims alongside her husband Jens Grede and Kim Kardashian, is under fire after making bold statements about work-life balance during an interview on The Diary of a CEO podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett.
🎙️ “Work-Life Balance Is Your Problem,” Says Grede
In Monday's podcast episode, Grede stirred controversy by saying:
“Work-life balance is your problem, not the employer’s responsibility.”
She shared how, as a mother of four, she had to navigate her ambitions while raising a family—something she believes individuals must figure out on their own.
She continued:
“When somebody talks to me about their work-life balance in an interview process, I’m like, ‘Something is wrong with you.’”
According to Grede, bringing up work-life balance in job interviews is a major red flag, and she advised candidates to avoid the topic altogether during hiring conversations.
📉 Why Her Comments Sparked Outrage
While some leaders may agree that employees should take charge of their own balance, critics argue that her comments are especially tone-deaf considering:
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Skims targets a largely female audience, and
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Women often carry a heavier load at home and in the workplace.
📊 According to Pew Research Center:
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60% of women report work-life balance as a serious challenge
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Only 47% of men say the same
Even in “equal” households:
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Women spend 2.7 more hours per week on caregiving and housework
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Men spend more time on paid work and leisure
🧠 Experts Push Back
Psychologist Katina Sawyer criticized Grede’s take, telling Business Insider that:
“Treating work-life balance as a personal skill is flawed. It lets companies off the hook for burnout and performance issues.”
Experts argue that leaders should help shape a culture where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
🎧 New Podcast Launch: Aspire with Emma Grede
Amid the backlash, Grede is also launching her own podcast called Aspire with Emma Grede, starting Tuesday.
👥 The first two episodes will feature:
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Actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow
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Former Starbucks chair Mellody Hobson
Grede says the show aims to offer “honest and unfiltered” conversations and real-life advice for people trying to build something meaningful.
“Aspire is my way of scaling mentorship,” she told People magazine.
🌐 Final Thoughts
Emma Grede’s statements have sparked a necessary conversation about the modern workplace, especially for women. While she speaks from personal experience, many believe employers must share responsibility in supporting employee wellbeing.
As this debate unfolds, one thing is clear: work-life balance remains a major concern for professionals around the world.
