Elon Musk’s ultimatum: Come back to the office or step down?
Returning to the office or saying goodbye to work?
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many studies highlighting its benefits. For example, a study by Mercer found that remote work can help companies attract and retain talent from different regions. However, not everyone is on board with this trend. One notable figure who prefers in-person work is Elon Musk. In 2020, Musk opposed lockdown measures and emphasized the importance of teamwork. This led him to implement a strict policy at Tesla in 2022.
Musk’s strict policy for Tesla employees
In a leaked email to Tesla employees, Musk made it clear that he expected everyone to work a minimum of 40 hours in person at the main offices, not at satellite locations. He stated that failure to comply with this requirement would be considered a resignation. Any exceptions to this rule would be personally evaluated by Musk himself. According to Musk, the survival of Tesla depends on the physical presence of its employees. He believes that the company’s most important products can only be achieved through in-person collaboration.
Musk’s personal experience as motivation
To motivate his team, Musk shared his own experiences as an example. He recounted a time during a crisis at Tesla when he slept in the factory. Musk emphasized the visibility of leadership positions, stating that the higher your position, the more important it is to be physically present. He believes that proximity in the workplace fosters commitment and productivity, especially during challenging times. Musk credits this type of leadership with helping to prevent Tesla from going bankrupt.
