Media mogul Martha Stewart ignited a firestorm of criticism with her inflammatory and factually incorrect comments on France’s economy and remote work in general.
Per CNN, Stewart slammed France for providing 30 days of paid vacation for workers and claiming that it hurt the economy:
“Look at the success of France with their stupid … you know, off for August, blah blah blah. That’s not a very thriving country. Should America go down the drain because people don’t want to go back to work?”
However, Stewart’s assertion is inaccurate. France has the seventh-largest GDP in the world. In the first quarter of 2023, the French economy expanded by 0.2%, surpassing the average increase observed in other eurozone states. Moreover, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts the French economy will see a 0.7% increase in 2023. For comparison, the IMF expects the U.S. economy to contract by 0.6% in 2023.
Furthermore, Stewart echoed the sentiments of Elon Musk, condemning the hybrid work culture by claiming that it slows productivity. Both elitists seem to believe that all workers must answer the call of the capitalistic drum and head back to the office despite the potential conflicts this strategy might have with business interests.
Research shows that remote work is more effective and efficient for many jobs, while some roles still require physical presence or on-site work. Numerous studies, including one by Stanford University, have shown that remote workers are more productive, with gains ranging from 5 to 9 percent compared to people confined to physical office spaces. Furthermore, remote work offers a range of employee health benefits, including improved work-life balance and reduced burnout. Optimizing workers’ health reduces employee turnover and associated healthcare costs, providing significant savings for businesses.
Unsurprisingly, the internet came for Martha, and it wasn’t pretty.
The irony of Stewart’s view on labor did not escape some Redditors.
Another Redditor revisited Martha’s problematic business practices over the years.
Things went from bad to worse for the domestic goddess when still another Redditor posted an editorial suggestion.
Welp, it seems the internet won’t be taking advice on ethics from Martha Stewart any time soon.
Ultimately, prioritizing workers’ well-being is good for business. As the debate on remote work agrees on, the fact remains that it has a positive impact on productivity, well-being, and job satisfaction. It’s a practical way for some organizations to add value and increase their bottom line.